National Ordinary High Water Mark Field Delineation Manual for Rivers and Streams: Interim Version
Abstract
The ordinary high water mark (OHWM) defines the lateral extent of nontidal aquatic features in the absence of adjacent wetlands in the United States. The federal regulatory definition of the OHWM, 33 CFR 328.3(c)(7), states the OHWM is "that line on the shore established by the fluctuations of water and indicated by physical characteristics such as [a] clear, natural line impressed on the bank, shelving, changes in the character of soil, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, the presence of litter and debris, or other appropriate means that consider the characteristics of the surrounding areas." This is the first manual to present a methodology for nationwide identification and delineation of the OHWM. A two-page data sheet and field procedure outline a weight-of-evidence (WoE) methodology to organize and evaluate observations at stream sites. This manual presents a consistent, science-based method for delineating the OHWM in streams. It also describes regional differences and challenges in identifying the OHWM at sites disturbed by human-induced or natural changes and illustrates how to use remote data to structure field inquiries and interpret field evidence using the principles of fluvial science. The manual demonstrates that, in many landscape settings, the OHWM may be located near the bankfull elevation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1187018
Entities
People
- Aaron O. Allen
- Brian J. Topping
- Daniel Hamill
- Ellen Wohl
- Gabrielle C. David
- Ken M. Fritz
- L. A. James
- Patrick H. Trier
- Steven L. Kichefski
- Tracie-lynn Nadeau
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory