Services > Fish Passage

Confluence has conducted feasibility assessments and developed alternatives for fish passage in a variety of unique settings. Confluence’s analysis considers needs of the waterway– including irrigation, recreation, fish passage, water delivery, habitat, maintenance, socio/economic factors, community needs, and cost/benefit analysis.

Confluence’s water resources engineer has over nine years of experience in hydraulic modeling, sediment transport analysis, channel stability assessment, floodplain management, and civil engineering applications in bridges, culverts, and diversion structures. To augment our work, we frequently team with engineering firms who can bring to our clients a full scope of civil engineering services.

Our work has included fish passage techniques such as:

Relocating portions of streams to establish reconnectivity to larger streams

Stream bed reconfiguration

Denil fish ladders

Diversion structures and fish screens

Hydraulic analysis on culvert alternatives

Construction of rock step-pool structures

Rock channels

Dam removal

Dam reconstruction

Bypass channels

Confluence has led efforts to restore spawning habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout, bull trout, and arctic grayling. Our detailed assessment of wildlife, habitat, and stream health within the project area result in a high rate of long term success. Confluence’s feasibility studies and restoration plans have been successfully used to secure funding for federal and state grants, legislative apportionment, and private contributions.

Example projects include:
Cartersville Dam
Clear Creek Fish Passage
Rock Creek Relocation
Locke Creek Fish Passage
SH Dam Removal
Redwater River Fish Passage Feasibility Study