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17452 
Journal Article 
Fire and stream ecology in some Yellowstone Lake tributaries 
Albin, DP 
1979 
0 
California Fish and Game
ISSN: 0008-1078 
64 
216-238 
#This study attempted to clarify some effects of forest fires on streams in selected tributaries to Yellowstone Lake, Yellowstone National Park, in partial evaluation of the Park's natural burn fire management policy. In a stream in a watershed burned 45 and 36 years age (Passage Creek) some changes were found, when compared to a similar stream in an unburned adjacent watershed (Chipmunk Creek). Summer stream temperatures averaged about 1.5 C higher in Passage Creek. Stream flow showed a greater seasonal fluctuation and a higher water yield in Passage Creek. Water quality conditions in both streams were similar, but mineral export was greater in Passage Creek due to greater water yield. Aufwuchs accumulation on artificial substrates showed no significant difference between the two streams. Benthic sampling suggested a general increase in benthic macroinvertebrates in Passage Creek. The fry of Yellowstone cutthroat trout, Salmo clarki lewisi , appeared to emerge from the gravel earlier in Passage Creek than in Chipmunk Creek. Based on stream temperature differences, the difference in egg incubation time was calculated to be 4 days. Two other streams were studied during and immediately after a fire burned their watersheds (Streams 173 and 174). No harmful effects were found. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, phosphate, and total organic carbon were raised somewhat during a rainstorm, apparently as a result of ash leached into surface runoff.