Change in the Morice River Watershed: Climate, Glaciers, Snowpack and Impacts on Streams and Salmon

About this presentation

This presentation investigates the primary factors determining stream temperatures in the Morice River watershed today and forecasts conditions to 2100 based on modelled climate change, glacier recession and seasonal snowpack. Matt will share the history of glacier recession from 1975-2019, present-day glacier inventory, topographic and landcover characteristics that determine stream temperatures today, and modelled glacier and snowpack change to 2100 for the headwaters of Morice River. These current conditions and forecasted 21st-century changes are critical for managing wild salmon fisheries in the Skeena River watershed and the wider Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest.

About Matthew Beedle

Matt is a Professor of Geography at Coast Mountain College in Terrace and Adjunct Professor of Geography at UNBC. His PhD research at UNBC focused on glacier change and relations to climate variability in the Cariboo Mountains. His current research investigates the impacts of a changing climate and melting glaciers on stream temperatures and salmon in sub drainage of the Kitsumkalum, Meziadin and Morice Rivers.