Abstract

The purpose of this study was to produce localized sea level rise, streamflow, and stream temperature projections for use by the Squaxin Island Tribe. The Tribe is concerned about climate change impacts on salmon resources in Totten and Little Skookum Inlets, home to numerous salmon bearing streams. In addition, the Tribe’s headquarters, many residences, and other important infrastructure are located at relatively low elevations near Skookum Inlet, and could be at risk of flooding due to sea level rise. We quantified future extreme coastal water levels, accounting for both sea level rise and storm surge, to evaluate how often areas of interest to the tribe may be at risk of flooding in the future. To assess potential impacts on salmon, we modeled current and future streamflow for two key watersheds of interest to the Squaxin Island Tribe: Skookum and Kennedy Creeks. We also modeled current and future water temperature in Skookum Creek.