News Release

John Redmond Reservoir has Little Effect on Gravel Deposits in the Neosho River

Tributaries are not a substantial source of chert gravel to the Neosho River downstream from John Redmond Reservoir, and it is likely that construction of John Redmond Dam has had little effect on gravel deposits downstream in the Neosho River since dam completion in 1964.  Currently, the primary source of chert gravel is basal deposits in the adjacent flood plain.  

A report released by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, indicates the supply of gravel in the Neosho River is limited.

“The presence and movement of gravel in a river system affects channel geometry, channel migration, channel stability and instream habitat.  Gravel is an essential component of the instream habitat required for the survival of the Neosho madtom, a threatened and endangered species of catfish, and also is an important construction material,” said Kyle Juracek, USGS Hydrologist and project chief for the study.  For these reasons, understanding the sources, transport, and deposition of gravel in the Neosho River Basin is important for the future management of the Neosho River system, as it relates to the needs of the environment and humans.

Concerns about the depletion of gravel sources in the Neosho River in southeast Kansas emerged following the completion of John Redmond Reservoir in 1964.  The study found that although the original source of chert gravel to the Neosho River was the Flint Hills, the major present-day source downstream from John Redmond Reservoir is basal deposits in the Neosho River, found at the base of channel banks, which are finite.  Chert gravel is moving downstream intermittently, mostly during infrequent large flows, and chert gravel bars typically will be slow to recover from in-channel mining, unless large flows occur shortly after mining. 

The new report on gravel sources for the Neosho River is available online at:

http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/sir2005-5282/

Copies of Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5282,”Gravel sources in the Neosho River in Kansas, 2004”, by Kyle E. Juracek and Charles A Perry, may be purchased from the USGS Information Services, Box 25286, Federal Center, Denver, Colo. 80225, or call 1-888-ASK-USGS. A limited number of copies are available from the USGS Kansas Water Science Center in Lawrence, Kansas.

The USGS serves the Nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy, and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life.

To receive USGS news releases go to www.usgs.gov/public/list_server.html to subscribe.

**** www.usgs.gov ****