Crystal Springs Creek Floodplain Map

The City of Portland recently enhanced conditions along Crystal Springs Creek, a major tributary to Johnson Creek, to benefit native fish and wildlife and improve water quality. The creek is largely spring fed, which results in cool and uniform streamflow throughout the year that provides significant habitat for salmon, birds, and other wildlife. The enhancement was done through stream restoration and replacement of undersized culverts that were barriers to fish migration. Otak was originally hired to prepare a Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) based on hydraulic modeling and mapping prepared by the US Geological Survey. Through initial work on the project, we determined that a no-rise condition could be demonstrated and a CLOMR would not be necessary. Otak then worked with the City to prepare a Letter of Map revision after the last culvert replacement project was constructed. The work included hydraulic modeling, floodplain mapping, and assisting the City with individual property and public notifications. Now that half of Crystal Springs has been restored, salmon find colder, cleaner water and more abundant food and shelter.