Predicted Fluvial Response to Dam Removal in the Kalamazoo River Valley, Michigan

by Jeffrey D. Anderson, Dames & Moore, Ltd, Milwaukee, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Hydraulic Engineering

Abstract:

Research has been conducted by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) to predict the fluvial response to dam drawdown and determine the distribution of recent deposits along three partially impounded Kalamazoo River reaches. Previous environmental degradation during the first half of this century has reduced surface water quality and adversely affected aquatic ecosystems. The MDNR intends to improve water quality, to meet established standards, and to restore the river as a recreational resource. Steps proposed to restore the river include complete dam removal and total drawdown of partially impounded areas. Dam removal has required evaluation of the anticipated stream channel responses, both up and downstream of the dam sites. The predicted response downstream includes channel cross section enlargement and bedload transport, while upstream, vertical incision followed by lateral channel erosion is expected. HECII models have been generated to predict flood stage/discharge relationships following dam removal. Geomorphologic analysis of valley parameters in conjunction with HECII modelling is being used to evaluate the fluvial response through the three reaches of the Kalamazoo River system.

Subject Headings: Water quality | Dams | Water pollution | Rivers and streams | Drawdown (hydrology) | Channels (waterway) | Sediment transport | Michigan | United States

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