Skagit River basin studies

Data and scientific analysis by qualified experts are the basis of our decision-making in the Skagit River basin:

• We based the Skagit River basin instream flow rule on fish studies.
• The Skagit Task Force, a Joint Legislative Task Force, recommended and developed scientific studies in the basin.
• Groundwater studies help us determine where and how much mitigation is needed to offset the impacts on streams from new water uses.

The Skagit Instream Flow Rule was developed from a scientific study conducted by Duke Engineering using best available scientific methods and incorporating extensive field research and computer modeling.

The result of this study was published in the Final Technical Report – Lower Skagit River Instream Flow Studies, otherwise known as “the Duke Study.” This study was independently peer reviewed to ensure it was accurate and adhered to acceptable scientific principles.

Related links:

• Final Technical Report – Lower Skagit River Instream Flow Studies
• Independent Peer Review of the Estuary Study Portion of the 1999 Duke Engineering “Final Technical Report: Lower Skagit River Instream Flow Studies”
• A Summary of the 1999 Duke Final Technical Report – the basis for the 2001 Skagit River Instream Flow Rule

Joint Legislative Task Force Studies

The Joint Legislative Task Force identified the need for three studies. Under the Task Force’s direction, Washington State University (WSU) worked in collaboration with independent researchers on each study. Additionally, a peer review of each study was performed by the Washington State Academy of Sciences (WSAS).

These studies aimed to advance gaps in the scientific understanding of water supply conditions in the Skagit Watershed.

The three completed WSU studies are:

• Comprehensive Hydrologic Study of the Skagit Estuary
• Skagit River Basin Groundwater Study
• Skagit River Tributary Instream Flow Habitat Assessment

Together, these studies advance our understanding of surface and ground water in the Skagit Basin.