Reecer Creek Cross Sections
Document Type
Oral Presentation
Event Website
https://source2022.sched.com/
Start Date
19-5-2022
End Date
19-5-2022
Keywords
Natural Dimensions, Cannel Stability, Topography of Riverbed
Abstract
We measured cross sections of Reecer Creek at three locations in the Reecer Creek Floodplain Restoration Project in Ellensburg, WA. The significance of this project is to fully understand the natural dimensions of Reecer Creek, and identify channel stability, the channel migration zone, and channel beds. Ongoing variations in water flow in the Reecer Creek flood plain have led to corresponding variations in the topography of the river bed, due to both deposition of organic material, and erosion due to water flow. We took depth measurements of the river bed every quarter-meter to create a graphable cross-section of three different locations along Reecer Creek. We compared our data to two cross sections taken since 2011. We found a reduction of depth indicating a pattern of deposition, raising the height of the river bed across most points of observation. We conclude that two of the cross-sections were narrower and one was morphed into a wetland adjacent to the main channel. This is most likely the result of the floodplain added in 2011 to stop flooding within the housing community surrounding the area. This changed the ecosystem and environment within the streams dramatically and may continue to change in upcoming years.
Recommended Citation
Arango, Nathaniel; Blaisdell, Lydia; Callan, Ashley; Miller, Brandin; and Ritzenthaler, Carol, "Reecer Creek Cross Sections" (2022). Symposium Of University Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE). 13.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/COTS/13
Additional Mentoring Department
Community Partnership with Ellensburg High School
Reecer Creek Cross Sections
We measured cross sections of Reecer Creek at three locations in the Reecer Creek Floodplain Restoration Project in Ellensburg, WA. The significance of this project is to fully understand the natural dimensions of Reecer Creek, and identify channel stability, the channel migration zone, and channel beds. Ongoing variations in water flow in the Reecer Creek flood plain have led to corresponding variations in the topography of the river bed, due to both deposition of organic material, and erosion due to water flow. We took depth measurements of the river bed every quarter-meter to create a graphable cross-section of three different locations along Reecer Creek. We compared our data to two cross sections taken since 2011. We found a reduction of depth indicating a pattern of deposition, raising the height of the river bed across most points of observation. We conclude that two of the cross-sections were narrower and one was morphed into a wetland adjacent to the main channel. This is most likely the result of the floodplain added in 2011 to stop flooding within the housing community surrounding the area. This changed the ecosystem and environment within the streams dramatically and may continue to change in upcoming years.
https://digitalcommons.cwu.edu/source/2022/COTS/13
Faculty Mentor(s)
Jeff Hashimoto