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Visualizing Hyporheic Flow Through Bedforms Using Dye Experiments and Simulation
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Insights into heterogeneous streamflow generation processes and water contribution in forested headwaters
Jaime Ortega1, Catalina Segura1, J Renée Brooks2,3
1Department of Forest Engineering, Resources, and Management, OSU.
Hydrological Processes
|January 8, 2026
Summary
Headwater streamflow variability is driven by diverse subsurface storage. Geologic complexity indicates storage, influencing downstream water contributions and stream response to precipitation.
Area of Science:
- Hydrology
- Geomorphology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Accurate modeling of seasonal flow dynamics in larger river systems requires understanding headwater stream contributions.
- Headwater catchments with varied subsurface storage significantly influence downstream water flow.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate how diverse headwater catchment subsurface storage impacts downstream flows in Lookout Creek, a 62 km2 catchment in Oregon's rain-snow transition zone.
- Analyze the influence of catchment characteristics on seasonal water contributions and streamflow variability.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed one year of hydrometric and water stable isotope data from ten stream locations.
- Utilized a decade of precipitation isotopic data for comparison.
- Applied end-member mixing models to assess water sources and contributions.
Main Results:
- Isotopic data confirmed most streamflow originates from large fall and winter storms.
- Catchment storage differences were found to influence seasonal tributary water contributions.
- Specific tributaries (Cold and Longer Creeks) with high storage sustained a significant portion (up to 50%) of summer streamflow.
Conclusions:
- Heterogeneity in headwater catchment storage is crucial for understanding mountainous region flow dynamics.
- Geologic variability and geomorphic complexity can serve as indicators of subsurface storage.
- Understanding headwater storage is key to predicting stream responses to climate change and disturbances.
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