Ecohydrology

We evaluated changes in stream temperature dynamics as affected by vegetation cover, streamflow, and stream-aquifer interactions along a riparian corridor in Wasco County. We installed multiple stream, groundwater, and ambient temperature sensors at selected locations along a 1-km reach. No significant changes in stream temperature were observed in shaded versus exposed sensor locations. Stream temperature fluctuations followed those from ambient temperature. Surface and subsurface flow contributions from an intermittent flow (spring season) tributary resulted in slight temperature changes in the creek. In the summer, subsurface flow temperature in the tributary was 10 °F cooler than subsurface flow temperature in the creek. Tributary subsurface flow contributions can result in cooler microclimate conditions at the confluence with the creek.