Pacific Southwest Research Station

Reductions in Sediment Loads Due to Stream Restoration

Restoration of incised streams has been proposed as a way of capturing fine sediments that are degrading the clarity of Lake Tahoe. This project is expected to illustrate the differences in fine sediment dynamics in an entrenched versus a nonentrenched stream morphology, and to predict how fine sediment loads could be reduced if streams are restored.

Full title: Methodology to predict total and fine sediment load reductions as a result of channel restoration in Lake Tahoe streams

Lead Researchers: Nicole Beck, 2NDNATURE, LLC

Goals: Characterize distribution of sediments relative to floodplain interaction in the Upper Truckee River Develop tool to quantify reductions in fine sediment owing to stream restoration.

Sites: Three to five sites within middle reach of Upper Truckee River

Timeframe: October 2007 through April 2011 (3.5 years)

Products

1. Database and analysis of sediment and discharge data
2. Presentations at technical meetings and conferences
3. Technical report recommending monitoring plan for future field campaigns, as well as sample monitoring and analysis recommendations to most effectively quantify total and fine sediment loadings in Lake Tahoe stream systems