LIMNOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF A ROCKY MOUNTAIN HEADWATER RESERVOIR¹

Abstract

Hyalite Reservoir, Montana, was studied to determine properties of this small, montane, headwater, deep‐release reservoir relative to reservoirs at lower elevations. While retention times for waters were as brief as 12 d, the mean residency of 40 d from mid‐March to mid‐December was within the range reported for other reservoirs. No significant through‐reservoir gradients for suspended sediments were observed, contrasting to observations for most reservoirs. Thermal stratification, evident during the first part of the summer, was disrupted in August by cool, dense tributary inflows and strong wind‐induced mixing. Dissolved oxygen concentrations paralleled temperature patterns in the reservoir; lowest average values for both occurred in waters sampled nearest the outlet. Total phosphorus averaged greater than twice the total nitrogen concentrations; greatest average concentrations for both were found in the near‐bottom waters nearest the outlet. Enrichment of nitrogen concentrations in outflow over inflow waters is hypothesized to occur through nitrogen fixation by Aphanizonwnon flos‐aquae. Despite the relatively high quality of waters from tributary inflows, an algal bloom, chlorophyll a concentrations, and primary productivity estimates suggested that the reservoir was mesotrophic. Circulation of waters within the reservoir was primarily influenced by wind‐induced mixing, thermal gradients, and currents produced by the deep‐water outlet.