ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Watershed Assessment (ENSC 202)

Introduction to Phase 1Extracted from Vermont ANR Stream Geomorphic Assessment Protocols

Handbook - Introduction

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Objectives of Phase 1

• Reference stream typing• Stream impact rating• Provisional stream geomorphic assessment

– stream condition– adjustment process– sensitivity

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Things you’ll need

Other useful resources…

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Key Resource: Data formsAppendix A

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Maintain a QA record

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Key Resource: Data baseAppendix B

• Instructions

• Interface

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Components to Phase 1 – Step 1

• Draw the watershed boundaries

• Delineate reach breaks– Valley widths– Valley slope (contours/inch)– Geologic materials– Tributary influences (>10% watershed area)

• Name the reaches

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

WatershedDelineation

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Valley Width criteria

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Valley Slope criteria

>5/in

2-5/in

<2/in

<1/in

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Geology & Tributary criteria

• Geology: major transitions (NRCS/VTGS)

• Tributaries: above major inputs

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Reach Naming Conventions

• M# mainstem reaches

• M#T#.# major (>10%) tributary.reach of mainstem

• M#S#.# minor (<10%) tributary.reach of mainstem

• M#T#.#S#.# minor tributary.reach of a major tributaries to mainstems

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

M2S1.1

M2S1.2

M1T2.1

M1T2.2

M1T2.3

M1

M3

M2

M1T1.1

M1T1.2

M1T2.2S1.1

M1T2.2S1.2

We will probably subsample the total number of reaches for the purposes of Phase 2 field work.

ENSC 202 – 2004Phase 1 Introduction

Starting the Database Entry Processes

• Open, save, and rename the database• Enter detailed reach descriptions• Record town name• Record latitude and longitude

The database…