FLOOD06908 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

I . [ r ~ ~ I i ~ I ~ ~ ~ SUMMARY The Colorado State Soi I Conservation Board (CSSCB) and the Colorado Association of Soi I Conservation Districts (CASCD) regard streambank erosion as a major resource problem within the State of Colorado. They requested the Soi I Conservation Service (SCS) to conduct a "study of the problem." Problem areas identified throughout the state were screened to determine high priority areas for detai led study. Ten (10) problem areas, I isted below, were selected for evaluation [SEE STUDY AREA MAPJ. Currant Creek Dolores River Elk River Kerber Creek Lake Fork Little Thompson River Lower Fountain Creek North Fork Gunnison River Uncompahgre River Wh iteR i ve r A field review was conducted in each of these areas. Comparison of old maps/photos along with newer maps/photos was made to determine the movement of the stream's channels. The present USDA method of economic evaluation of benef i ts and the do II ar val ue ass i gned to bank eros i on may not support project type treatment. Non-project type treatment of bank erosion has been going on since man settled along streams and may possibly sti I I be the best approach to treating the problem. The value of the land and crops damaged would not justify any extensive installation of practices. Damages to roads, diversions, pipel ines, houses and outbui Idings may justify the installation of some rock riprap or rock jetty type structures. Three study areas: Lake Fork, Kerber Creek, and Little Thompson River have water qual ity problems. Lake Fork and Kerber Creek also have erosion of mine tai I ings that yield sediment which contain damaging chemical elements. Little Thompson River is located in a predominantly irrigated agriculture basin. It carries high levels of salt concentrations and sediment in irrigation return flows. ~ I r