Temperature Prediction in the Lower Feather River

This paper summarizes the application of one-dimensional finite element hydrodynamic and water quality models to the lower Feather River in Northern California. The study was precipitated by a perceived need for cold water temperature in river reaches below Oroville Dam where salmon spawning occurs. Releases from Oroville Reservoir and Thermalito Afterbay were shown to have a dramatic effect on water temperatures in those sections of the river. The exact degree to which releases affect river temperature had not been determined prior to this study. Calibration and validation of the models were performed using field measurements of flow, meteorological conditions, and water temperatures obtained during August 1993, August 1994, and September 1994.