Watershed Management > Watershed Management Updates by WRIA > Methow

Methow - WRIA 48

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants awarded through June 2010

$1,252,311

Projected grants July 2010 - June 2011

$150,000

Background

In 2000, the state legislature provided additional funding for the Planning Unit to establish a baseline hydrologic assessment, including a groundwater study and model, development of a USGS watershed model, and completion of a water quantity assessment. Golder Associates and the USGS calibrated and collected data from 23 stream gauges, modeling groundwater and surface water in the watershed, and conducted a sub-basin specific detailed groundwater study. Information gathered during these efforts is available from the final Phase 2 Level 1 assessment.

The Okanogan County Commissioners adopted the Methow Watershed Plan in June 2005. Plan recommendations included:

• Added clarity and information to support an amendment to the existing instream flow rule.
• Aquifer storage projects.
• Protection for ground water recharge from unlined irrigation ditches.
• Mechanisms to reduce relinquishment of water rights.

Phase 4 work began in November 2008. Phase 4 Year-1 tasks include developing a detailed implementation plan, and completing several obligations identified in the watershed plan.

Instream flow status

Instream flows were set in 1976  (Chapter 173-548 WAC). The planning group (Methow Watershed council) and Ecology have agreed to revisit the rule after gaining new information and clarifying specific rule changes to be proposed.

Resources

• Methow Watershed Council Appointed Members
• Executive Summary of the Habitat Limiting Factors Report

Link to other resources, studies, data

• WRIA 48

 

Please send additions or corrections to Chris Anderson, (360) 407-6634.