Summit Creek Capstone Upper
Project Goals and Objectives
The primary objective of our designed complexes is to reconnect abandoned side channels and reactivate historic floodplain areas. The secondary objective of our designs is to increase hydraulic variability and lateral movement of the channel facilitating greater water distribution and sediment transport dynamics. The utilization of inactive floodplain zones offers an opportunity to not only improve, but also expand the habitat extents, providing refuge and breeding grounds for various aquatic and terrestrial species. Overall, implementation of the designed structures will improve aquatic and riparian habitat, increase biodiversity, and bolster the ecological resilience of Summit Creek, mitigating the impacts of disturbances and promoting long-term sustainability.
Structure Construction Elements
Variation in the exact design of structures is bound to occur during implementation based on constraints set by woody resource availability and specific geomorphic conditions at the structure location. Despite this variability, the general layout and function of structures of a particular type will remain constant, and are subsequently described. Channel spanning PALS (Post Assisted Log Structures) and BDAs (Beaver Dam Analogs) are implemented to create backwater, to raise the water surface to near or above bankfull and achieve overflow, and/or encourage hyporheic flow/ higher water table within nearby riparian zones nearby. Mid Channel PALs and Bank Attached PALs (on both sides, open center) are implemented to create a constriction jet on either side or in between the structure(s), and create bar depositing eddy flows directly behind and below the structures (i.e., fish habitat). Bank Attached PALS are used to constrict the channel and create a hydraulic jet with directed flow that may achieve bank erosion, bed scour, etc.. In cases, a bank attached PALS is implemented with the goal of creating a pool built which is sustained by the hydraulic force. Other times the bank attached PALS will be aimed directly at the bank to erode the bank and widen the channel or remove obstacles to floodplain connection, ie: a levee. These structures are included in the design to begin the process of increasing connectivity to floodplain zones, or to simply increase hydraulic variability.
Project Photos
Cover Photo