Research Projects

Assessment of Long-Term Channel Stability on the Lower Truckee River: Evaluating Stream Restoration Success

PI: Kenneth D. Adams

Project Period: August 1,2006 - July 31, 2007

Funded by: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Right: Truckee river, 1938 (top) and 2006 (bottom)

Keywords: Truckee River, Pyramid Lake, geomorphic assessment, stream restoration

Problem Definition

The lower Truckee River in western Nevada is a dynamic system that has been greatly impacted by both natural processes and anthropogenic effects that include reductions in flow, base-level lowering, channelization, and floods. Prior to the time of European settlement, the lower Truckee River was also affected by lake-level fluctuations and other natural events that are recorded in the landforms and deposits of this system. Separating anthropogenic from natural effects, assessing the current state of the system, and predicting future trends remain a challenge because of incomplete or nonexistent records and the lack of a comprehensive database of existing studies, reports, and geospatial information.

A detailed change and geomorphic assessment using georectified imagery (1938-2006) and surficial geologic maps will fill a critical gap in knowledge and provide a long term context for ongoing and future restoration efforts. In particular, this study will identify the locations and measure rates of channel migration and widening, in response to floods and other disturbances, while assessing other changes to the floodplain-channel system that in sum will provide the contextual background into which restoration activities can be placed and projects evaluated. This information is important for understanding how the river may respond in the future to further disturbances and to restoration efforts.

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