The University of Montana Western Environmental Sciences Department is proud to host hydrologist Jenna M. Dohman as part of the “On the Rocks” lecture series. Dohman will present “Investigation of Elevated Temperatures in the Lower Big Hole River, MT” on Wednesday, January 22, from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library.
Jenna M. Dohman is a hydrogeologist in the Groundwater Investigation Program at the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology. Her research focuses on answering community-driven questions about local water resources. She’s particularly interested in communicating science to the public so they can make their own informed decisions.
Presentation Abstract:
Drought and elevated temperatures are major concerns for many river basins, and the Big Hole River in southwestern Montana is no exception. The Big Hole River is a blue-ribbon trout fishery and an important water resource for the agricultural economy. Low summer stream flows limit the water available for irrigation and can contribute to elevated temperatures that often threaten the fishery. Community stakeholders are interested in managing the river resource in a manner that supports the fishery and agriculture.
The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology monitored the temperature of groundwater and surface-water inputs to the river in summer 2023 and 2024. Researchers utilized a thermal infrared camera to identify the groundwater sites. Findings suggest that groundwater and surface-water inputs are not sufficient to buffer or increase temperatures in the river, but rather solar radiation has the greatest influence on stream temperature in the river.
This presentation is free and open to public. For more information, please contact UMW Professor of Environmental Sciences, Dr. Spruce Schoenemann at spruce.schoenemann@umwestern.edu.
