Indian Creek is a large, low gradient tributary to the Elwha River that drains Lake Sutherland. Indian Creek flows into the Elwha River at the delta of the former Aldwell Reservoir and was one of the first locations colonized by salmon following the removal of Elwha Dam in 2012. We propose two discrete restoration actions to improve salmon habitat:
1) the restoration of lower Indian Creek, and 2) the removal of a push up dike and channel restoration on WDOT property at river mile 0.6. Indian Creek has been historically affected by forest management, road construction, wetland filling and draining and rural development. Additionally, following dam removal, the Elwha River head cut at least 20' vertically through the former Aldwell delta deposit. Head-cutting progressed in an upstream direction through lower Indian Creek and this resulted in Indian Creek being captured through the former delta deposit and abandoning over one mile of its
former route. We assessed the concept of rerouting Indian Creek back into its former channel draining northeasterly
across the former Aldwell reservoir and connect to the Elwha River and its floodplain. That concept was abandoned
because of the rapid erosion of the Aldwell delta by the Elwha River as well as the amount of excavation required through sensitive wetlands. There are, however, outstanding restoration opportunities in lower Indian Creek. LEKT is exploring the purchase of private property including the trailer park in lower Indian. Once purchased there will be need to clean up and restore the site which is considered the location of the Klallam village site Tee-Tee-ulth. Restoration would include removal of structures, reforestation and large wood additions to a 0.3 mile reach. At RM 0.6 WDOT channelized a 0.2 mile reach of Indian Creek resulting in degraded habitat through this reach. We propose to remove a push up dike, restore habitat and reconnect Indian Creek to its floodplain within this reach to restore natural processes.