Stage-Dependent Cross-Section Adjustments in a Meandering Reach of Fall River, Colorado
Abstract
The failure of dams can greatly increase bedload supply as in the case of Fall River, a sinuous, low gradient, snowmelt-fed stream. This mobile sediment allows channel topography to change with stage. In a reach with erosion resistant banks, the relationships between water flow and bed material or sediments were studied by measuring bedload, be and water surface topography, and velocity patterns at different discharges. At bankfull flows, cross sections showed maximum asymmetry: point-bars near the water surface and deep thalwegs. Bedload transport was concentrated on the point bar platforms. At low flows, cross-section symmetry was greatest due to additional erosion of the high-flow point bars, and extensive thalweg filling. Bedload transport was more uniform across the channel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA231116
Entities
People
- D. Anthony
- M. D. Harvey
Organizations
- Colorado State University