thumbnail

Resurvey of Cross Sections on the Green River in Browns Park, Colorado and Utah

Open-File Report 2026-1013
Prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261013

Links

Abstract

This study resurveyed ten previously established cross sections and established eight new cross sections on the Green River in Browns Park to document changes in channel width, depth, and area since earlier surveys conducted in 1994. The measured area of the channel cross sections on the Green River in Browns Park generally increased between the initial surveys and 2019. This increase in cross-sectional area was observed in nine of the ten resurveyed cross sections and is indicative of net sediment erosion. The increase in cross sectional area occurred through both channel widening (bank retreat) and increases in depth (bed incision). An analysis of the contribution of bank versus bed changes to the overall area change suggests that the erosion is mostly from the bed of the channel. In addition, weak longitudinal trends in the bed-sand grain-size distribution are consistent with progressive depletion of the sand stored on the bed of the Green River in Browns Park. The findings from our cross-section resurvey support the conclusion that the Green River in Browns Park is experiencing progressive sediment loss and is in a state of sediment deficit.

Suggested Citation

Griffiths, R.E., Topping, D.J., Unema, J.A., and Kohl, K.A., 2026, Resurvey of cross sections on the Green River in Browns Park, Colorado and Utah: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2026–1013, 15 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20261013.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Purpose and Scope
  • Previous Surveys of Cross Sections in Browns Park
  • Methods
  • Changes in the Browns Park Cross Sections
  • Sediment Mass Balance for the Green River in Browns Park
  • Longitudinal Bed Grain-Size Trends in the Green River in Browns Park
  • Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Resurvey of cross sections on the Green River in Browns Park, Colorado and Utah
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2026-1013
DOI 10.3133/ofr20261013
Publication Date July 10, 2026
Year Published 2026
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Southwest Biological Science Center
Description Report: v, 15 p.; Data Release
Country United States
State Colorado, Utah
Other Geospatial Browns Park, Green River
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details