Navigating High Flows on Bear Creek

Last summer, we implemented the Bear Creek RM 19.0 project near Lynn Newbry Park, in Talent. This project was developed in response to the Almeda Fire in 2020 that burned through the Bear Creek corridor, from Ashland to Phoenix.

Our underlying goal for this project is restoring natural stream processes to the creek. Connecting the creek to its historic floodplain is crucial to achieving the long-term resilience of the stream and its surroundings. By increasing connectivity between Bear Creek, historic side channels, and the fire-damaged floodplain, we expect to see improved water quality, a healthier riparian forest, and a more resilient creek. In addition, the creek runs along Bear Creek Greenway, a main transportation corridor and recreation resource. The restoration actions implemented through this project will help reduce erosion, stabilize the streambank, and protect the infrastructure that is valued by our communities.

This past winter, several high flow events (rain on snowmelt) were observed in Southern Oregon. When events like these occur, it comes with excitement, a bit of concern, and curiosity about how a project will hold up to the high flows. The Bear Creek RM 19.0 project withstood the test, spreading flows across the floodplain, thereby reducing the risk for damage often associated with flood events. The floodplains and side channels were inundated on multiple occasions, storing sediment, sorting spawning gravels, reducing high flow erosive forces, and capturing accumulations of large wood moving downstream. The wood structures anchored in the bank along the Greenway are providing stability and infrastructure protection, in addition to catching debris moving downstream. These accumulations are beginning to establish vital habitat that will be used by aquatic species throughout the year.  

In early March, we held two public willow staking events. Over 30 volunteers put their time and sweat into installing nearly 300 willow live stakes. Willows are an important member of the riparian plant community because they stabilize streambanks, shade riparian areas, provide nesting habitat, and act as a food source for our favorite state animal, the American Beaver (Castor canadensis). Willows are often a targeted species along streambanks for restoration professionals. Their tolerance to high water conditions and their quick growing root structures make a perfect match for riparian areas. As an added bonus, their branches shade the creek and cool water temperatures in the hot summer months.

Volunteers from Middle Rogue Steelheaders and other community members helping us at willow staking events this March

As flows recede this spring, we’ll be back on site to take stock of the effects of the high flowing water. The churning waters of Bear Creek are currently hiding the rocks, logs, and freshly deposited stream bed material. As channel level drops, we’ll be able to observe any changes to channel complexity and floodplain substrate composition. We’ll also take a closer look at the large wood that we placed and any new natural accumulations. All of this information will help determine if any additional adjustments are needed and inform our next projects.

Project partners include Cascade Stream Solutions, M&M Services, The Freshwater Trust, City of Talent, Jackson County, and the Oregon Department of Transportation. Check out the project page.