Use of Stabilized Stream-Monitoring Sections to Monitor Annual Streamflow on the Alberta Boreal Plain
Publication: Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 3
Abstract
Streamflow in small forested watersheds on the Boreal Plain of western Canada can be a challenge to monitor due to high variation in flow, shifting channel morphology, aufeis obstructions, shallow channel depth, and debris in the channel. Intensive monitoring in natural channels can overcome some of these problems, but frequent assessment and recalibration of streamflow-stage relationships are necessary. Experience over 8 years indicates that in-channel structures designed to provide a stabilized stream-monitoring section (SSMS) proved beneficial to monitoring efforts during the ice-free season. The SSMS facilitated accurate gauging of the highest and lowest flows encountered during this period, provided a relatively stable foundation against streambank and channel erosion, and allowed passage of fish and the majority of debris and sediments. Functionality of the structures was markedly limited during ice-in conditions, but was improved with the addition of fitted canopies and propane heating systems.
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Acknowledgments
The FORWARD Project (2001–2011) was funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Development Program and Millar Western Forest Products Ltd., as well as the Canada Foundation for Innovation, the Ontario Innovation Trust, the Living Legacy Research Program, FedNor, AbitibiBowater Inc. (formerly Bowater Canadian Forest Products Ltd.), Buchanan Forest Products Ltd., Blue Ridge Lumber Inc. (a division of West Fraser Timber Company Ltd.), Vanderwell Contractors (1971) Ltd., Alberta Newsprint Company (ANC Timber) Ltd., Buchanan Lumber (a division of Gordon Buchanan Enterprises Ltd.), Talisman Energy Inc., PetroBakken Energy Ltd. (formerly TriStar Oil and Gas Ltd.), Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions, and the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta. Stabilized stream monitoring sections were designed by Ruth McKeown, Ken Kozak, and Gordon Putz, and installed by Millar Western Forest Products Ltd. Janice Burke, Toomas Parratt, and two anonymous reviewers provided valuable peer review of early drafts of the manuscript.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Cold Regions Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 3 • September 2013
Pages: 168 - 182
Copyright
© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 27, 2012
Accepted: Nov 27, 2012
Published online: Aug 15, 2013
Published in print: Sep 1, 2013
Discussion open until: Jan 15, 2014
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