The Impact of Channel Geometry on Flood Deposits Between Red Rock Pass and Pocatello

Channel Geometry and Flood Deposits: The Effect of Channel Geometry Between Red Rock Pass & Pocatello

This map shows the flood path connecting Red Rock Pass with Pocatello. The channel has a variable geometry. In the western portion, it is narrow and sinuous while in the eastern part, it’s wide and winding. Variable geometry directly affects the likelihood of flooding deposits within this stretch. The basal stress is decreased as the channel becomes wider, which in turn leads to a decrease of stream power (Lane 2019, Smith 2017,). The river’s ability to transport sediment is affected by this decrease. Flood deposits can result from the deposition of sediment. The stream power is higher in sinuous sections where the channel narrows and basal stress increases. (Lane 2019, 2019). An increase in stream power allows rivers to transport more sediment. This results in sediment scouring rather than sediment deposition. As you can see on the map, there is no evidence of flood deposits in these more sinuous areas.