Evaluating Water Management Strategies With The Systems Impact Assessment Model (SIAM, Version 3)

This booklet serves as an introduction to the SIAM, a System Impact Assessment Model for riverine ecosystems. SIAM is an integrated set of models used to address significant interrelationships among selected physical (temperature, microhabitat, and geomorphic features), chemical (dissolved oxygen) and biological variables (young-of-year salmonid production), and stream flow in a river. SIAM has been developed for the lower Klamath River from Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the river's mouth on the California coast using data and models selected to be appropriate for the riverine portion of that study area. SIAM is only as good as the data, models, and its users allow it to be. This document highlights the important assumptions and limitations of these data and models so that use may be enlightened as well as productive. We have tried to assure the quality of the data and models integral to SIAM for the Klamath River; however, we stress that common sense may not be left behind in applying SIAM for any specific analysis. Users must be vigilant in making sure that the results logically follow from the premises. A warranty is neither stated nor implied.

SIAM represents only a small portion of any true ecosystem analysis and its results must be considered in context with numerous other ecological, institutional, and political realities. SIAM is not meant to be a decision-making device, but it is rather a decision aid. It is infeasible to model all important resource impacts and impossible to anticipate all possible water supply situations. Discretion and informed guidance will remain a necessary ingredient for appropriate SIAM use.

We (USGS) continue to provide training & support for SIAM in partnership with other users, in particular the US Bureau of Reclamation and the US Fish & Wildlife Service. However, given the nature of the decision-making structure evolving in the Klamath Basin, we are looking to all interested parties to help shape SIAM, build credibility, and lend objectivity through continuous application and monitoring. In effect, we welcome participation from everyone.

Citation: Bartholow, J., J. Heasley, B. Hanna, J. Sandelin, M. Flug, S. Campbell, J. Henriksen, and A. Douglas. 2003. Evaluating water management strategies with the systems impact assessment model: SIAM version 3. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Geological Survey. USGS Open-File Report 03-82. 126 p.

1 U.S. Geological Survey, 2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA
2 Johnson Controls World Services, 2150 Centre Avenue, Bldg C, Fort Collins, CO 80526 USA

Evaluating Water Management Strategies With The Systems Impact Assessment Model: SIAM Version 3

Preface