Inlet Stabilization: A Case Study at Mouth of Colorado River, Texas
Abstract
The Mouth of Colorado River (MCR) is a federally authorized shallow draft navigation channel located in Matagorda County, TX. A weir jetty system was constructed at the MCR in the early 1980s to stabilize the inlet and provide access to the Gulf of Mexico. The weir jetty configuration has proven to be inefficient requiring 450,000 m3 of dredging annually to maintain the navigation channel, twice the design estimate. A new east jetty was installed at the MCR this year to more efficiently stabilize the inlet. Initial observations indicate that the new jetty configuration is fulfilling its role; the inlet current during construction scoured a narrow navigable channel along the west jetty. This paper discusses the history engineering modifications, and implications for inlet stability at the MCR.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA578406
Entities
People
- Karl B. Brown
- Nicholas C. Kraus
- Robert C. Thomas
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center