THE COMBINED EFFECTS OF FLOW REGULATION AND AN ARTIFICIAL FLOW RELEASE ON A REGULATED RIVER

Damming and regulating the flow of rivers is a widespread issue and can have a significant impact on resident biota. The Tongariro River, central North Island, New Zealand, has a flow regime that is regulated by two hydroelectric dams along its length, and it has been suggested that ‘flushing flows’ would assist benthic communities by removing ‘nuisance’ periphyton growth forms that typically occur in autumn. We assessed whether (i) damming has altered periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities downstream of the Rangipo Dam and (ii) whether the release of a flow pulse equivalent to 50 times the baseflow is sufficient to (a) move the substrate in the section of river downstream of this dam and (b) impact benthic periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities. Downstream macroinvertebrate communities were impacted by the presence of the dam, but periphyton was not. No movement of substrate occurred downstream of the dam as a result of the flow release, which was likely because of naturally high embeddedness and armouring of substrate. Periphyton biomass and macroinvertebrate density were not affected by the release indicating that larger releases would be required to have any effect on benthic communities downstream of this dam. This study highlights the importance of considering natural bed structure and sediment dynamics when using flow releases downstream of dams to control periphyton. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Invertebrate drift patterns in a regulated river: dams,periphyton biomass or longitudinal patterns?

Macroinvertebrate drift was sampled at 15 sites along the Tongariro River, New Zealand above and below two hydroelectric dams. Sixty‐seven invertebrate taxa were collected in the drift. Trichoptera (31) were the most diverse, followed by Diptera (13), Ephemeroptera (8) and Plecoptera (8). However, chironomidae were the numerically dominant taxa in the drift throughout the river and represented over 80% of all animals collected. Of these, Orthocladiinae and Diamesinae were the most abundant. Taxonomic richness declined with distance downstream and peaked at sites with intermediate levels of periphyton biomass. The per cent of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) was 3–4 times higher in the unregulated section of the river and declined exponentially with both distance downstream and increase in periphyton biomass, but densities were similar along the river. Of the measured environmental variables periphyton biomass was most closely linked with drift community structure. Periphyton biomass was six times higher in the lower section of the river than the upper unregulated section. The autocorrelation between periphyton biomass and distance downstream complicates the interpretation of results. However, because of the distinct differences between above and below dam sections of river in periphyton biomass and the strong link between it and invertebrate drift we suggest that the alteration of flow patterns by the hydroelectric dams and the associated shift in periphyton biomass is the most likely explanation for invertebrate drift patterns in the river. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A Test of the Serial Discontinuity Concept: Longitudinal Trends of Benthic Invertebrates in Regulated and Natural Rivers of Northern Canada

Abiotic and biotic impacts below impoundments within the context of the River Continuum (RCC) and the Serial Discontinuity Concepts (SDC) have been the focus of many lotic studies. Recovery gradients, however, are rarely examined in sufficient detail below dams. Further refinement and understanding are needed to inform science and river managers about regulated river ecology. In this study, we examine longitudinal patterns in abiotic and biotic characteristics in two regulated rivers in Northern Canada. We also examine spatial patterns on two natural rivers: a lake outlet river and a river with no lakes. Direct gradient analysis revealed that increases in periphyton, planktonic drift, primary production, substrate size, and changes in thermal regime at sites closest to the dam drive benthic invertebrate community characteristics. We test the Serial Discontinuity Concept by comparing predicted functional forms of each environmental variable with the empirically derived forms. Substrate size, periphyton biomass, and drift density increased below dams and recovered quickly within 5 km downstream, following closely with SDC predictions. The response of organic matter and water quality was variable, and benthic invertebrate richness recovered relatively quickly, contrary to SDC predictions. Thermal regime and flow took much longer to recover than most variables and represent a second longer gradient type below dams. Plecoptera, Gomphidae, and Simuliidae were strongly influenced by altered resource and habitat and may be good candidates for indicators and predictive modelling. Our results generally support predictions from the Serial Discontinuity Concept and highlight the need for the further testing and refinement of this concept. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Downstream benthic responses to small dam removal in a coldwater stream

Increased awareness of the negative effects of dams combined with an aging dam infrastructure has led to an increase in dam removals. However, ecological responses of downstream biota to such actions are poorly understood. We examined the influence of a pair of small dam removals on downstream periphyton and macroinvertebrates in Boulder Creek, WI (USA). The dams were 180 m apart and both were removed on 9 July 2003. We monitored algae and macroinvertebrates as well as habitat characteristics for approximately 2 months before and after the removals upstream and downstream from the two dams, and continued our observations over a similar period (mid‐May to mid‐July) the following summer. After the removals, an initial release of sediment significantly increased the proportion of fine sediments in the downstream reach and buried benthic substrate. This burial led to a 60% reduction in chlorophyll in the downstream reach the week following removal, while concentrations increased in the upstream reference reach. Similarly, macroinvertebrate densities 2 weeks post‐removal were lower relative to pre‐removal densities and were associated with declines of ephemeropterans, trichopterans and dipterans. Examination of Trichoptera genera demonstrated substantial changes in this assemblage associated with diminished densities of the formerly dominant genus Brachycentrus. Algal and invertebrate populations increased in the weeks after the dam removal, but did not reach densities similar to the upstream reference reach. In the following year, both periphyton and invertebrate densities were lower in the downstream reach, suggesting a long‐term effect of the removal. Thus, effects of the dam removal were alternatively positive or negative over time, and indicate that the time scale of consideration has a strong effect on the interpretation of the consequences of this management activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Periphyton and invertebrate response to wood placement in large pacific coastal rivers

Wood abundance in aquatic systems has been dramatically reduced compared to historical levels due to anthropogenic activities that led to wood removal and stream simplification. As a result, reintroduction of wood to aquatic systems is now a widely used and relatively well‐studied restoration technique for increasing habitat complexity. Although stream periphyton (biofilm) and invertebrates serve as food sources for a variety of predators including fish, birds and bats, data on how lower trophic levels respond to wood placement are relatively scarce. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that periphyton biomass and aquatic invertebrate density were higher on Engineered Log Jams (ELJs) than on inorganic substrates in two large Pacific Northwest river systems. Among years and rivers, periphyton biomass and invertebrate densities were significantly higher on ELJs than on cobbles within the same reach. Invertebrate communities on ELJs were dominated by meiofauna (<500 µm), whereas cobbles were dominated by larger chironomids. We attribute these trophic level differences to substrate type, as we did not detect taxonomic differences between cobbles in reaches with and without ELJs. We show that adding wood to reaches with little or no naturally occurring wood increased overall habitat surface area and thereby the potential for increased productivity relative to reaches with low levels of wood. Finally, wood supports a unique community of invertebrates that are often overlooked in lotic system studies but may be contributing substantially to overall biological diversity. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Dam effects on bedload transport on the upper Santa Ana River,California, and implications for native fish habitat

Dams disrupt the flow of water and sediment and thus have the potential to affect the downstream geomorphic characteristics of a river. Though there are some well‐known and common geomorphic responses to dams, such as bed armouring, the response downstream from any particular dam is dependent on local conditions. Herein, we investigate the response of the upper Santa Ana River in southern California, USA, to the construction of a large dam at the transition from mountains to valley, using calculations of bedload transport capacity on the mainstem below the dam and for major tributaries. Approximate sediment budgets were constructed for downstream reaches to estimate deposition and erosion rates for sand, gravel, and cobble particle sizes. Our results indicate that the classical response of bed armouring and erosion is likely limited to a short reach immediately below the dam. Farther downstream, though transport capacity is reduced by flow regulation by the dam, the channel reaches are likely to remain depositional but with reduced deposition rates. Persistent deposition, as opposed to erosion, is the result of the replenishment of flow and sediment supply by large downstream tributaries. In addition, the calculations indicate that the composition of the bed is unlikely to change substantially in downstream reaches. A Monte Carlo approach was employed to estimate the uncertainty in the sediment budget predictions. The impacts of the dam on the geomorphic character of the river downstream could have implications for native fish that rely on coarse substrate that supports their food base.     

Changes in riparian vegetation communities below a large dam in a monsoonal region: Futase Dam,Japan

This paper examines the effects of a dam reservoir flood control on riparian plant communities in an Asian monsoon area subjected to large summer floods under natural conditions. We compared riparian plant communities downstream of the Futase Dam located on the Arakawa River, with communities on the Nakatsu River, a tributary of the Arakawa River with no dam. Historical changes in spatial distribution of riparian vegetation communities were analysed using aerial photographs. Stand ages and flood history were also examined to analyse the likelihood of tree erosion in scenarios with and without flood control. Comparison of the two reaches shows that the reduced flood peaks below the Futase Dam led to the expansion of riparian forest area and an increase in species diversity. Reduction in the flood peaks below the dam means that the toppling moment of the trees is no longer exceeded. The result is that the riparian forest below the dam is able to develop into later successional stages. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Rate of biotic colonization following flow restoration below a diversion dam in the Bridge River,British Columbia

In August 2000, a continuous flow release was initiated below a diversion dam in the Bridge River, British Columbia, to rewater 4 km of stream bed that had been without flow for 37 years. Within a month after the start of flows, periphyton and invertebrate populations were present in the previously dry reach. Juvenile salmonids were common downstream of the rewetted reach, but only a few moved upstream to the new habitats after flow restoration. However, adult salmon quickly colonized the rewetted area and spawned 1–8 months after the onset of flow. Age‐0 salmonid abundance was high 1 year later and appeared to be largely due to successful spawning in the new reach rather than the upstream migration of juveniles. We conclude that the full colonization of the new reach will take more than a year as a consequence of the migratory patterns of the salmonids species in the river, and that monitoring programs for habitat restoration should be cognizant of the lags in the response of target populations because of their life histories. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Downstream effects of a new hydropower impoundment on macrophyte,macroinvertebrate and fish communities

The downstream effects of Valparaíso Reservoir (Río Tera, north-western Spain) on macrophyte, macroinvertebrate and fish communities are examined by comparing their respective structures before (1986) and after (1990-1991) the creation of this hydropower impoundment. A single sampling station was selected 2.4 km below the dam. Macrophytes significantly (p < 0.05) decreased their total biomass, although the species composition remained dominated by two species (Myriophyllum verticillatum and Ranunculus fluitans). The macroinvertebrate community, on the other hand, exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in taxonomic richness, total density and total biomass. In general, planarians, ephemer-opterans, coleopterans, plecopterans and trichopterans disappeared or decreased their abundances. Scrapers (as relative biomass) were the functional feeding group most adversely affected by the new flow regulation. With regard to the fish community, the most significant change was the absence of all resident coarse fishes (cyprinids, primarily) at the sampling site during the 1990 and 1991 sampling surveys. Conversely, salmonids (Salmo trutta) persisted; the trout population was dominated by individuals of the 0+ age group (? 1 year old) both before and after the construction of Valparaíso Dam. It is concluded that short-term flow fluctuations induced by hydroelectric power generation were the main factor causing the observed adverse effects. In this respect, some management measures to minimize these effects are recommended.     

Changes in benthic sediment in the thomson river,Southeastern Australia,during construction of the thomson dam

The particle-composition (0.15 to >64 mm) of the stream-bed was monitored by Surber sampling at sites above and below the site of the Thomson Dam during the two years of most active construction. Levels of particles between 0.5?2 mm were highest 9.5 km below the dam site, and increased throughout the study. Levels of these grades at sites above and well below the dam site were variable, but showed no consistent trends. Material greater than 2 mm showed no substantial variation either over time or between sites spanning approximately 70 km of river length and 250 m of elevation. Artificial substratum samplers were used to estimate the rate of sediment input (0-2 mm) between sampling dates. Sediment input was clearly highest 1 km and 9.5 km below the dam site. Input was seasonal, with maxima in winter and spring of each year. Size classes 1-2 mm and <0.063 mm contributed over 60 per cent of the total deposited sediment. Over the second year of the study, high levels of sediment <0.063 mm were deposited at a site 33 km below the dam site, indicating the progressive movement of material down the river. Some fine sediment was found to penetrate unconsolidated bed material to depths down to 60 cm. It is suggested that such material, resulting from land disturbance, is capable of filling interstitial spaces in the stream-bed, and that major disturbance of the bed may be necessary to dislodge it.     

Impact of regulated releases on periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities: The dynamic relationship between hydrology and geomorphology in frequently flooded rivers.

Flood‐type disturbances affect both periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities depending on their frequency, magnitude and duration, but some impacts can be mitigated by geomorphic constraints. We studied four rivers in the Adirondack Mountains; the Indian River experienced regulated flow releases creating bank‐full floods four times/week whereas other study sites provided a continuum of control conditions for comparison. We sampled periphyton and macroinvertebrate communities in each river along with channel hydrology, hydraulics and geomorphology. Periphyton abundance varied seasonally and among rivers depending on nitrate concentrations and scour. Flow releases created a static mosaic of patches consisting of heavily scoured bed sediment in the thalweg (high shear stress areas—HSS) which had very low periphyton abundance; boulders and rocky shoals created low shear stress areas (LSS) supporting mats of filamentous algae. Macroinvertebrate densities were highest in HSS areas whereas LSS areas had lower macroinvertebrate densities that were more similar to reference rivers, although both LSS and HSS areas had the lowest species diversity and richness. Macroinvertebrate composition in HSS areas was dominated by filter‐feeders, whereas LSS areas had more gatherers and scrapers. While all rivers had high boulder densities, the Indian River could be considered geomorphically moribund—its substrate was immobile and the channel experienced no adjustments in spite of high flood frequencies. These physical characteristics help mitigate the severe hydrologic conditions that releases create because the static mosaic of low and HSS patches allow certain macroinvertebrates adapted to this level of disturbance to persist. This static mosaic is different from the shifting mosaic pattern often observed in streams following flood‐type disturbances. Geomorphically moribund rivers may lack ecological sensitivity to hydrologic disturbances, and decisions to limit flow modification (e.g. recreational flow releases, hydropower generation) should consider whether assumed ecological impacts are likely to occur given local geomorphic conditions and constraints. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of an irrigation and hydroelectric reservoir on its downstream communities

The Cernadilla reservoir, located on the River Tera (northwest Spain, Duero Basin) is an oligotrophic reservoir with a capacity of more than 250 × 10⁶m³ and a depth of 70 m. The regulated flow pattern is characterized by higher summer flows, higher day flows than night ones, and lower weekend flows. The effects of this artificial flow regime on the stream ecosystem were evaluated by comparing the aquatic communities of an upstream station with those of three downstream stations, located at 1, 8, and 24 km from the dam. Physiocochemical characteristics of the water, fish and macrobenthic communities, and macrophytes were studied at each station. Summer water temperatures were significantly lower downstream of the reservoir. Macrophyte biomass, macrobenthic diversity, and richness were reduced below the dam. The trophic structure was changed by an increase of shredders and grazers. Fishery total biomass greatly fluctuated seasonally, but was higher above the reservoir than below it. However, in spring the trout populations were higher upstream because large numbers of spawning cyprinids from the reservoir invaded upstream reaches of the River Tera and displayed resident trout populations.     

小浪底水库下游浮游生物及细菌群落对水沙调控的响应规律

浮游动物、浮游植物和细菌群落广泛分布于河流生态系统,发挥着初级生产者、初级消费者和分解者的重要作用,对于环境条件的波动较为敏感。本文于2018—2019年黄河小浪底水库调水调沙前、中、后期对下游河流进行了调查采样,得出水环境因子、浮游生物与细菌群落的定量结果,以明确在不同调水调沙阶段下游河流水环境因子,浮游生物和细菌群落的演变规律及相互作用。通过结构方程模型(SEM)和基于距离的冗余分析(dbRDA)、分别明确了调水调沙影响下浮游生物以及细菌群落对水环境因子的响应规律。结果表明,调水调沙不同阶段下,浮游植物、浮游动物和细菌对于环境因子的响应方式具有较大的差异,溶解氧(在调水调沙前影响系数最大,为0.86)、温度(在调水调沙期间影响系数最大,为0.76),以及电导率(调水调沙后影响系数最大,为0.82)等环境因子对浮游生物的生物量影响最明显,而溶解氧(在调水调沙前)和叶绿素a(调水调沙期间至调水调沙后)对于细菌群落的影响最大。此外,调水调沙过程改变了浮游生物群落内部关系,削弱了浮游动物对浮游植物的捕食,同时也使得悬浮和沉积状态的细菌群落在样点之间的差异性增大。本研究明确了浮游生物及细菌群落在水沙调控不同阶段下对水环境因子的响应规律,对下游河流生态修复具有一定的理论意义。     

三门峡水库汛期浑水发电优化调度方式研究

通过对１９８９￣１９９４年三门峡水电站汛期浑水发电试验期间水库水沙资料进行分析，得出水库汛期的优化调度方式为：在汛期发电开始前，应先利用洪水或通过降低库水的办法使水库近坝段冲出０．５￣０．６亿ｍ＾３的调沙库容；在发电运行期再根据机组运行情况来水来沙情况，昼多用底孔泄流，增加底孔出流比例，从而达到过机含沙量和细化过机泥沙粒径的目的。汛期发电水库运用水位可按如下方法控制：汛期发电开始后，库水位按３０５     

Ecological Assessment of a Sediment By‐pass Tunnel on a Receiving Stream in Switzerland

Reservoir siltation is a major problem worldwide, decreasing reservoir storage capacity, trapping entrained sediment, and altering the natural sediment regime. Sediment By‐pass Tunnels (SBTs) are used to connect reservoirs with downstream receiving waters during high flows to reduce sediment accumulation in the reservoir. When operating, large volumes of sediment‐laden waters are released into the receiving river for short periods of time (h). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of SBT events on the downstream riverine ecosystem. We measured physico‐chemical properties, sediment respiration, periphyton biomass and chlorophyll‐a, and macroinvertebrate assemblages along a 5‐km stretch of river during the first two years of SBT operation. During the study, five major SBT events occurred. Few changes were found in physico‐chemical properties, mainly due to the input of tributaries entering the system. Results showed a clear reduction in sediment respiration, an indicator of ecosystem metabolism, especially after large SBT events. Periphyton levels and macroinvertebrate density/richness also decreased after SBT events. A non‐metric multidimensional scaling distinguished both temporal and spatial shifts in macroinvertebrate assemblages after SBT events, being related to downstream distance and SBT event magnitude. In summary, SBT events acted as a pulse disturbance, similarly to natural floods, followed by recovery of measured ecosystem indicators. Sediment By‐pass Tunnel events can enhance sediment and flow connectivity, although the magnitude and frequency of operations should be controlled to prevent catastrophic disturbances. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FINE SEDIMENT INFILTRATION DYNAMICS IN A GRAVEL‐BED RIVER FOLLOWING A SEDIMENT PULSE

Pulses of fine sediment in gravel‐bedded rivers can cause extensive fine sediment infiltration (FSI) into void spaces in coarse bed material, potentially altering river morphodynamics and aquatic ecosystems. Previous work suggests a conceptual model of FSI whereby FSI occurs to a limited depth as a function of the relative grain size of bed sediment compared with infiltrating sediment and is influenced by fine sediment supply and local flow dynamics. Our study applies this conceptual model to a complex reach of a wandering, medium‐sized, gravel‐bed river to investigate the spatial and temporal controls on FSI. To constrain the timing of FSI, we use the release of contaminated sediment from an upstream dam removal and complementary field methods (bulk sampling, freeze cores and infiltration bags) to capture sediment across varied depositional settings. Our results indicate that, even in a morphologically complex reach, fine‐sediment content in the bed does not vary significantly among deposition settings or vertically below the bed surface. We also found that the most contaminated fine sediments released into our study river by a dam removal are not present within the bed material and that substrate has likely been reworked over the period between the release of contaminated sediment and sampling. Our observations also suggest that seals of fine sediment causing void pore space at depth, which have previously been associated with FSI, are not evident in our field area. This suggests that in natural systems, high sediment supply and mobile beds may limit seal formation and persistence. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

黄河下游高含沙洪水河床形态及调控指标

利用水库调控高含沙洪水是维持黄河下游主槽不萎缩的重要途径。基于黄河下游实测高含沙洪水冲淤特性的分析,按流量大小对高含沙洪水进行了分类,提出了黄河下游高含沙洪水的分类调控思路及相应的调控指标。大漫滩高含沙洪水,在满足黄河下游防洪要求的前提下,控制洪峰流量大于1.5倍的平滩流量,来沙系数在0.012~0.04 kg·s/m~6范围内。一般高含沙洪水,控制黄河下游洪水流量接近平滩流量,并尽可能控制来沙系数在临界值附近。高含沙小洪水,控制黄河下游洪水流量在2 500 m~3/s以下,洪水沙量小于2亿t。高含沙洪水经过分类调控后,可较大限度地利用滩地淤沙、主槽输沙能力排沙及花园口以上较大的主槽库容滞沙,维持或提高黄河下游主槽过流能力。     

Effect of fine sediment deposition and channel works on periphyton biomass in the Makomanai River,northern Japan

The Makomanai River in northern Japan has suffered considerable fine sediment deposition, especially in a reach where channel works have been constructed. Four contiguous reaches were examined for deposition of fine sediment and the effects of such on periphyton biomass; two of the reaches had channel works and bank protection, respectively, the other two being unmodified. The influence of fine sedimentation on epilithic periphyton biomass (chlorophyll a weight and organic matter weight) and the autotrophic index (AI), and the relationship between these and hydraulic variables was emphasized. Fine sediment increased, chlorophyll a decreased and AI increased in the reach with channel works and in the unmodified reach immediately upstream. In addition, the current velocity and Froude number tended to decrease in the reach with channel works. Correlation analysis showed that with an increase in fine sediment, chlorophyll a decreased and non‐living periphyton, indicated by AI, increased. It was also confirmed that fine sediment increased with an increase in weight of periphyton organic matter and decreased with an increase in current velocity or Froude number. These results suggest that accumulation of fine sediment, which substantially reduces light penetration for photosynthesis under low current velocity conditions, results in lowered periphyton levels. The channel works have lowered the current velocity, thus promoting deposition of fine sediment and an increase in non‐living periphyton. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

长江上游高洪水期泥沙输移特性

长江上游高洪水期(汛期)泥沙输移特性是决定三峡库区泥沙淤积的关键因素,直接关乎三峡水库使用寿命及综合效益的发挥。借助干、支流长系列水沙资料,分析了长江三峡水库入库寸滩站高洪水期泥沙输移特性,结果表明:近40 a来,寸滩站场次洪水中7 d洪量未出现趋势性变化,而7 d沙量显著减少,高洪水期输沙经历了“涨水输沙占优—涨、落水基本持平—落水输沙占优”的变化过程。2013年以前,寸滩站高洪水期径流及泥沙均主要来自于金沙江,而向家坝、溪洛渡水电站陆续投运后,2013—2019年寸滩站洪水场次(洪峰流量30 000 m³/s以上)共计14场。从径流来源来看,仅4场主要来自于金沙江,其余9场主要来自于嘉陵江,1场来自岷江;从泥沙来源来看,9场主要来自于嘉陵江,其余5场分别来自于沱江、岷江、横江,金沙江已不是寸滩站高洪水期过程中泥沙的主要来源区。研究成果可为三峡水库沙峰排沙调度、库尾减淤调度提供理论支撑,为长江泥沙治理提供保障。     

Physical and Biological Responses to an Alternative Removal Strategy of a Moderate‐sized Dam in Washington,USA

Dam removal is an increasingly practised river restoration technique, and ecological responses vary with watershed, dam and reservoir properties, and removal strategies. Moderate‐sized dams, like Hemlock Dam (7.9 m tall and 56 m wide), are large enough that removal effects could be significant, but small enough that mitigation may be possible through a modified dam removal strategy. The removal of Hemlock Dam in Washington State, USA, was designed to limit channel erosion and improve fish passage and habitat by excavating stored fine sediment and reconstructing a channel in the former 6‐ha reservoir. Prior to dam removal, summer daily water temperatures downstream from the dam increased and remained warm long into the night. Afterwards, a more natural diel temperature regime was restored, although daily maximum temperatures remained high. A short‐lived turbidity pulse occurred soon after re‐watering of the channel, but was otherwise similar to background levels. Substrate shifted from sand to gravel–cobble in the former reservoir and from boulder to gravel–cobble downstream of the dam. Initially, macroinvertebrate assemblage richness and abundance was low in the project area, but within 2 years, post‐removal reaches upstream and downstream of the dam had diverse and abundant communities. The excavation of stored sediment and channel restoration as part of the dam removal strategy restored river continuity and improved benthic habitat while minimizing downstream sedimentation. This study provides a comparison of ecological effects with other dam removal strategies and can inform expectations of response time and magnitude. Published 2015. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.