The Camp Yonahlossee Natural Stream Channel Design Project located on Lance Creek, a major tributary of the Watauga River, represents some of ESI’s finest work. Lance Creek had been dammed decades ago as part of a girl’s camp and as a result the pond has acquired 88-years of silt deposits.  Design constraints included the preservation of as much of the historic dam as possible in the construction of the new channel.   Situated in the Appalachian Mountains at an elevation greater than 3400 feet above msl, Lance Creek exceeds a 10-percent gradient.

Begun in April 2006, the project was divided into three phases: assessment, design, and construction. ESI was the sole contractor providing technical service on every aspect of the project. Assessment included a complete on-site survey of the proposed restoration reach using Leica total station data collection and mapping systems. Project design was based on the existing channel topography using fluvial geomorphologic principles. The construction phase was completed in November 2006.

The design and construction utilized the natural features of Lance Creek, a small spring, and a stormwater conveyance.  In-stream structures consisted of boulder A-vanes, J-hooks, and a W-weir.   The use and preservation of a significant amount of the historic dam was accomplished through the integration of several A-vanes and the W-weir.  In addition, a large flood-prone area was graded, seeded, and planted.