Channel-pattern and cross-section changes in selected reaches of Elkhead Creek, northwestern Colorado, 1938-2009
Scientific Investigations Report
2011-5201
Prepared in cooperation with the Colorado River Water Conservation District
By: John G. Elliott and Steven J. Char
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Abstract
Elkhead Creek near Craig, Colorado, is a sinuous, meandering stream whose lower 9 river miles have been regulated by Elkhead Reservoir and Dam since 1974. The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Colorado River Water Conservation District, conducted a study from 2009 to 2010 that evaluated channel-pattern and cross-section changes and identified possible causes of streambank erosion in Elkhead Creek that could have been affected by Elkhead Dam and Reservoir. Aerial photographs taken from 1937 through 2009, streamflow records from water years 1953 through 2009, and channel surveys and sediment measurements made in 1997 and 2009 were used to analyze streambed and streambank erosion both downstream and upstream from the reservoir. Erosional trends were evaluated by calculating meander migration rates determined from analyses of georectified aerial photographs and from replicate channel surveys at monumented cross sections established in a previous study. The aerial photography dates defined four periods of roughly equal lengths for which mean meander migration rates were determined. Two periods were prior to and two periods were after Elkhead Reservoir was constructed.
Suggested Citation
Elliott, J.G., Char, S.J., 2012, Channel-pattern and cross-section changes in selected reaches of Elkhead Creek, northwestern Colorado, 1938-2009: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2011-5201, iv, 21 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20115201.
ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)
Study Area
| Publication type | Report |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Title | Channel-pattern and cross-section changes in selected reaches of Elkhead Creek, northwestern Colorado, 1938-2009 |
| Series title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series number | 2011-5201 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20115201 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | U.S. Geological Survey |
| Publisher location | Reston, VA |
| Contributing office(s) | Colorado Water Science Center |
| Description | iv, 21 p. |
| Time Range Start | 2038-01-01 |
| Time Range End | 2009-12-31 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| City | Craig |
| Other Geospatial | Elkhead Creek |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |