The Effects of Washout in a Sierra Foothill Stream

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Abstract
The benthic fauna of a single riffle of Squirrel Creek, California [USA], was evaluated from May 1973-April 1974. Annual autumn and winter storms cause Squirrel Creek discharge to fluctuate widely, leading to repeated washouts in the study riffle. The repeated washouts reduced benthic standing crop by more than 95% from Oct.-Jan. in the year of the study. Washout altered trophic relations and community structure within the macrobenthic community. This annual disruption of the benthic fauna may result in a less varied fauna than would otherwise exist. Recovery is based on recruitment from newly hatched eggs and the availability of autochthonous energy sources.