Fluvialgeomorph: Geomorphic Watershed Assessments

FluvialGeomorph: Geomorphic Watershed Assessments

USACE planning and engineering studies require a rapid watershed assessment approach to meet current guidance and study schedules. The FluvialGeomorph (FG) toolkit was developed to provide a rapid watershed assessment approach to identify stream channel bed and bank instability. The toolkit uses off-the-shelf Light Imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) or other high-resolution terrain data to identify, locate, and map channel instability. The toolkit can be used for watershed or single reach applications.

FG uses high-resolution terrain to measure and compare channel morphology. Channel morphology is then mapped and compared against representative stable channel dimensions (empirical relationships) to identify locations within the watershed where channel instability exists. Assessments are completed on a single data set or multiple years depending on the availability of data. Can also compare existing survey data (ex FEMA FIS maps). Geomorphic mapping and the associated metrics provide a basis to identify and assess priority locations within the watershed for further data collection and study or concentrated restoration.

The FG toolkit has been developed and tested in 20 states/regions in many types of hydro-physiographic study settings: watershed assessments, feasibility, adaptive management, existing project evaluation, regulatory support, EMRRP Studies, FCS-NNBF Streambank Manual, RSM, WOTS/DOTS, MRG&P, FRM (GI/Sec 14/PAS/Silver Jackets), WRAP (OHWM), Wildfire Recovery, IIS-Ecuador (SAM), EPA-support, and for ecological assessments and modeling.