Projects > Flat Creek Rehabilitation Plan
The key to this Project’s success will be the ability to reduce substantially the wetted surface area of Flat Creek characterized by excessive water velocities. In doing so, we will promote the formation of an intact, stationary, surface ice cover. The rehabilitation measures will be designed to create scour pools, lateral pools, and narrow mid-channel pools. The following techniques have proven successful in slowing velocities and providing fish habitat on similar streams and will be used within the two priority Flat Creek reaches:
- Log or boulder overpours: These dam-like structures are commonly used to reduce upstream water velocities and create downstream scour pools.
- Transverse sills: Low profile log structures are installed diagonally across the channel upstream of meanders to slow and direct the stream current into the bend to enhance lateral scour pools.
- Double deflectors (constrictors): These structures consist of two opposing “V” shaped wing deflectors constructed of boulders or a combination of logs and boulders. Water velocities are reduced, while scour pools and back water eddies are formed.
- Bank cover deflectors: Used in an alternating series to consolidate flow into a deep, narrow, meandering channel pattern while at the same time providing excellent overhead bank cover.
- Bank Covers: Bank treatments are designed to add structure and cover to lateral scour pools located on meander bends.
- Excavation: Excavation of the channel bottom will be frequently needed throughout the priority reaches to deepen and narrow the channel in conjunction with other treatments.