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<br />002091
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<br />TV ater Resources Development
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<br />The C'hannelf of the Cottonwood and Neosho rivers, as well as
<br />their trihutaric", are well defined. They meander back and forth
<br />across their respective valleys and at some places actually turn and
<br />extend for fome distance in an upstream direction with respect to
<br />the slope of the valley. There is evidence to indicate that the inter-
<br />ference of overbank flow and channel flow at these locations con-
<br />tributes materially to the flood problem. Because of such numerous
<br />deviations in their comses, the channels of these streams exceed the
<br />length of their valleys by considerable amounts. The channel of the
<br />Cottonwood river i" approximately twice as long as the distance
<br />along the axis of the valley through which it meanders. The Neosho
<br />river channel is nearly three times the length of its valley.
<br />The slope of the streambed is controlled by outcropping ledges of
<br />rock and shale. During pedods of low water the river consists of a
<br />succession of riffles and pools. At higher stages other factors begin
<br />to control the flow and determine the slope of the water surf ace.
<br />This slope is not uniform and varies not only with topography, but
<br />also with the stage at which water is flowing. On the Cottonwood
<br />river the slope of the channel above Durham averages about 10 feet
<br />per mile. It flattens rapidly to an average of only 2 feet per mile
<br />from Durham to the mouth. The channel of the Neosho above the
<br />mouth of the Cottonwood is considerably steeper than the Cotton-
<br />wood, averaging 15 feet per mile in the upper reaches above Council
<br />Grove and 3 feet per mile from that point to the vicinity east of
<br />Emporia. From the mouth of the Cottonwood to the state line, the
<br />average slope of the Neosho river channel is 1.35 feet per mile.
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<br />Floods
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<br />Large floods frequently occur on the Neosho river following heavy
<br />precipitation in the upper portion of the basin. They are charac-
<br />terized by a rapid runoff from the steep slopes in the upper reaches
<br />of the river, a coneentration and accumulation of water as it ap-
<br />proaches the flatter slopes, and a diminishing but sustained crest as
<br />it progresses down the valley.
<br />Aside from its flat slope and devious course, the capacity of the
<br />channel is further limited by various obstructions. There is a sub-
<br />stantial growth of timber practically throughout the entire length of
<br />the river as well as along its tributaries. Some of the limbs of trees
<br />on the bank project into the channel in a manner which obstructs
<br />the flow of water at higher stages. In other instances, large tree"
<br />have fallen into the river and become lodged where they collect
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