Description: This workshop will provide participants with a basic understanding of channel migration zones (CMZs), including the principal factors influencing channel migration, appropriate methods for mapping historic migration zones, erosion and avulsion hazard areas, and identifying future migration areas. The course will cover basic concepts in interpreting fluvial landscapes, including fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, geology, sedimentology and hydraulics.

Fluvial channel networks define pathways through which water and sediment are conveyed across the landscape. The spatial and temporal characteristics of water and sediment conveyance define two distinct disturbance regimes that directly impact ecological and human communities. The first of these disturbance regimes is defined by the spatial extent and frequency of flooding. The second disturbance regime involves spatial changes in the land by erosion or deposition through time. While these two regimes are closely linked, it is important to distinguish them since they represent two distinctly different consequences: 1) flood inundation and 2) land erosion. Both disturbance regimes have beneficial environmental effects but can pose significant hazards to development within the floodplain or channel migration zone. Local, state and federal regulatory guidelines increasingly recognize the importance of CMZs both in regards to erosion hazard assessment and protection of aquatic and riparian habitat.

Course Topics:

CMZ Definition and Functions Water Quality - Runoff Filtering - Hyporheic Zone - Sediment Aquatic Habitat Riparian Habitat Geologic Hazard Fluvial Geomorphology Valleys and Hillslopes Channels, Floodplains, and Terraces Channel Types, Segments, Reaches, Sub-reaches, and Networks Channel Movement: Migration Versus Avulsion (Classification of lateral activity) Geologic Controls Hydrology and Hydraulics Topographic Analysis 7.51 Minute Quadrangles 10m/30m DEMs 1-2m LiDAR 2-51 Contour Photogrammetry Historic Channel Analysis Historic Analysis Maps Airphoto

Field Mapping Landform Mapping and Trend Analysis Geomorphic Metrics - radius of curvature - channel slope v. valley slope Floodplain and Terrace Mapping -GPS -Total Station and Prism -Autolevel, Tripod and Survey Rod -Handlevel and Tape Interpretation of Alluvial Sediments and Debris -Bank Stratigraphy -Forests Stems Roots -Snags -Logjams Infrastructure Special Circumstances Hands-on CMZ Delineation

Intended audience: The course is intended for professional geo-scientists with a background in fluvial processes. The course is also appropriate for personnel involved with reviewing CMZ delineations and desiring a better understanding of fluvial systems.

Prerequisites: This course is intended for professional geo-scientists with a background in fluvial processes. Introductory college level courses in fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, geology and remote sensing or cartography (including GIS) are strongly recommended. The course is also appropriate for personnel who will be involved with reviewing CMZ delineations and desiring a better understanding of fluvial systems.

Course materials: Each attendee will receive a copy of the workshop proceedings and case study data for the hands-on exercises.

Credit: 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)

Lead instructor bio: Dr. Abbe is an internationally recognized geomorphologist and licensed engineering and hydrogeologist with 22 years of applied science and research experience in geology, geomorphology, environmental restoration, risk assessment, self-mitigating flood and erosion protection, sustainable land management, and water resources. Dr. Abbe has developed and implemented cutting edge solutions for a wide range of clients and his work is being used all over the world to better understand and restore rivers.
Dr. Abbe has directed major water resource and geomorphic investigations throughout the Western United States, including: the effects of flow diversions and landuse on aquatic habitat; channel migration and erosion, flooding; water, sediment and wood budgets, geomorphic hazards; slope stability; ship traffic; scour assessment; mining; and water quality. He has directed the development and implementation of 50 successful projects to restore habitat and protect infrastructure in river and coastal environments around the world. His work in restoration and protecting transportation infrastructure has been featured in major newspapers, magazines, and National Public Radio.

One of Dr. Abbe’s areas of expertise is the geomorphology of forest rivers and the mechanics and effects of large woody debris on channel form and dynamics. Dr. Abbe is one of the foremost experts on the dynamics, management and re-introduction of wood debris. He pioneered the development of “engineered log jam technology” (ELJ), structures that emulate natural conditions and processes to rehabilitate aquatic and riparian habitat, provide erosion control, flood diffusion, grade control, and sediment retention. He has designed successful ELJs throughout the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, and New South Wales, Australia. His work on ELJs, has offered new technology to professionals who must comply with the environmental regulations while solving traditional problems such as bank erosion and channel incision. Dr. Abbe’s ELJ design to protect US Highway 101 for the Washington Department of Transportation won a Gold Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) and reconigition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Prior to his ground breaking work at the University of Washington, Dr. Abbe worked on flood control, sediment transport, bank erosion, restoration projects in fluvial, estuarine, and coastal environments from Mt. St. Helens and the Columbia River Estuary to Southern California. He directed and published research on the effect of vessel wakes on shoreline erosion and littoral transport in the Columbia River and San Francisco Bay. His expertise includes tidal inlet dynamics, coastal and tidal marsh geomorphology effects, sedimentology, scour assessment, mine tailing remediation, effects of gravel extraction and erosion hazard mapping. Recently, Dr. Abbe co-authored technical guidelines for the delineation of channel migration zones for the Washington State Department of Ecology and an introduction to ELJ technology for the U.S.D.A. (Natural Resource Conservation Service) and the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency in the United Kingdom. He is a frequent speaker at conferences throughout the United States and a regular reviewer for scientific and engineering journals. Dr. Abbe is well known and respected by the academic, professional and regulatory communities for his innovative work, individual expertise, ethics, and team approach to complex multi-disciplinary projects.

Cygnia F. Rapp: Cygnia Rapp has worked in the private, non-profit, and public sectors as an expert scientist specializing in river processes. While employed by the Washington State Department of Ecology, Cygnia worked with a team of leading experts from academia, private sector, and federal agencies for developing cutting edge scientific guidance for the State of Washington. She also worked with staff on establishing regulatory jurisdiction on projects related to hydrology and channel morphology; assisting in ordinary high water mark (OHWM) determinations; completing geomorphic and hydrologic assessments; reviewing and providing input on channel restoration designs; reviewing the design, maintenance and repair of flood and erosion control projects; investigating impacts of floodplain development on hydrology and channel processes; preparing technical reports; training Ecology staff and the public on OHMW determinations in river systems. Cygnia currently consults via her woman-owned company, Rapp Geosciences, LLC.

Registration: $695 ( *$595 reduced tuition is available for Native American tribes; government employees; nonprofits; students). You may register via the link below or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at 206-762-1976.

Cancellation Policy: Registration fees are fully refundable up to 30 days prior to the event and 50 percent refundable (or 100% credit) thereafter up to 3 business days prior to the event. No refunds are issued for cancellations occurring less than 3 business days before the start day. Course registration fees and cancellation policy are subject to change without notice.

Disability Accommodations: To request disability accommodations, please contact us at info@nwetc.org or (206) 762-1976 at least 30 days prior to the event.

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