Streamflow characteristics of intermittent streams in the Okanagan, British Columbia, Canada

Even though intermittent streams are prevalent in every hydrologic region of the world, there has been relatively little research on the flow regime of intermittent streams. Intermittent stream flows affect aquatic biota, water quality, and quantity in downstream perennial streams. This study focused on (1) the differences in the streamflow regime characteristics of perennial and intermittent streams and (2) the spatial and temporal variation in streamflow along one intermittent stream (Long Joe Creek) in the Okanagan Basin. Differences between intermittent and perennial streamflow regimes included rates of recession, steepness of flow duration curves, start of freshet, and fall discharge variability. Lack of streamflow data for truly intermittent streams made it difficult to assess the reasons for these differences. The observations along Long Joe creek highlighted the very large spatial and temporal variability in streamflow in intermittent streams and the need to focus monitoring on multiple locations.