Clare Yurchak

Experience

1. Water Resource Professional

   Anchor QEA

   Dec 2023 — Present · Bellingham, WA, US

   I contribute to a wide spectrum of environmental and water resource projects focused on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, ecological restoration, habitat enhancement, and community resilience. My work supports restoration initiatives that require technical rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and community-focused solutions.In my role, I serve as both a technical contributor and a project task lead, particularly in modeling and design development. One of my key contributions has been to the Lower Colony Creek Sub-basin Project, where I support the Skagit Conservation District in collaboration with local landowners to address chronic flooding, sedimentation, and habitat degradation. I led the development of HEC-RAS 2D hydraulic models and evaluated design alternatives that benefit both human and ecological communities.Another cornerstone of my work has been the South Fork Skokomish Phase VI Restoration Project. This multi-mile river restoration is part of a broader watershed-scale strategy. My contributions included large wood design. Using AutoCAD Civil 3D, I developed construction-ready design plans for large gravity-stabilized engineered log jams (ELJs), floodplain channels, and related features. I also prepared technical specifications and construction cost estimates, all underpinned by ecological design principles and stakeholder alignment.For a project in Lewis County, I conducted reach-scale riverine assessments to determine geomorphic conditions and restoration potential. My responsibilities included habitat mapping, sediment characterization via pebble counts, and the creation of restoration designs. I also developed bid documents.In the realm of ecological fieldwork, I contributed to a project in Whatcom County by performing hydrologic data collection to estimate water yield during late spring. This included the use of traditional survey equipment like auto levels and stadia rods, as well as direct streamflow measurement techniques.