Marshall Creek Stream Flow

Marshall Creek is a beautiful, spring-fed perennial tributary that has important flow contributions to Hangman (Latah) Creek. The creek provides numerous benefits to wildlife species such as otter, herons, brook and interior redband trout, deer, moose and many more. Marshall Creek originates from springs and gently flows easterly through a myriad of wetlands, scablands, and forested habitats. The area was homesteaded in the late 1880s by William Marshall and his family. He built the first dam on the creek for the operation of his sawmill.

As the years went by, the small watershed had a vibrant history of homesteading, dynamite factories, the Broadview Dairy operation, and cattle grazing. Inevitable development of the watershed over the decades introduced many changes to the creek. Dams, diversions, ponds, and other domestic uses of the creek have impacted the wildlife, fishery, and instream flow.

Today, the creek winds through many culverts, and rural home settings. However, the watershed has experienced significant land use changes including redirecting the creek. In 2016, Marshall Creek ceased to reach its confluence with Hangman Creek. The creek is dry for approximately 2.5 miles above this confluence.

The loss of flow impacts wildlife, instream biota, riparian communities, senior water rights, and some domestic wells. The Spokane Conservation District, local agencies, and the residents of the watershed are currently working together to find a solution to revitalize the stream. We seek to resolve these issues by conducting a feasibility study to identify potential solutions. A feasibility study is a rigorous science-based study that develops alternative options to restore flow. The study will utilize existing data as well as collect new data including streamflow, groundwater, and water temperature.

To learn more and follow our progress, check out our story map.