In case any one is interested attached is the reply I received from the state regarding the slide area on the SF of the Stilly.
-----Original Message----- From: David Brock [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]] Sent: Wednesday, November 14, 2001 9:44 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: Stilliguamish South Fork Wayne, As Habitat Biologist for the Stillaguamish River, your inquiry was forwarded to me. I have no knowledge and do not believe that Snohomish County has done any 'excavating' in the South Fork Stillaguamish watershed resulting in a washout. The County is well aware that they need a Hydraulic Project Approval from this department for any work in or near the river and its streams. I would be the person to issue that permit. I believe the water quality problem in the South Fork you are referring to originates from a massive landslide located on the north shore at the Gold Basin campground, several miles east of Verlot. This landslide is due to naturally inherent unstable ground as a result of glacial deposits. It is characteristic of both the North and South Fork Stillaguamish. This particular slide, the Gold Basin Slide, uniquely consist of exceptionally fine, blue grey clay that is continually oozing into the river. As you noted, even a small rain can cause the water to discolor from this slide. The slide is on U.S. Forest Service land. On various occasions over the years the Forest Service, the Indian Tribes, the Department of Natural Resources and this department get together to explore solutions to this problem. In the past there have been very minor fixes, but generally the geomorphologists, hydrologists and other experts realize this slide is too big and to unstable to actively manage. Consequently, we leave it alone and hope it will stabilize over time. One positive note in this bleak scenario is that the discolored water in the South Fork is not as negative an impact to the fish as it could be. Because the blue-grey clay is so fine, almost all of it is readily carried out to the bay. Often it leaves a fine coating on the rock and shore, but is quickly washed on with the next high water. If you have more questions, you can call me at work, 425-379-2302, or continue to use e-mail. David Brock
