Technical Report

Arroyo de las Canas Geomorphic, Hydraulic, and Sediment Transport Analysis

URL: https://webapps.usgs.gov/mrgescp/documents/Harris%20and%20AuBuchon_2016_Arroyo%20de%20las%20Canas%20Geomorphic%2C%20Hydraulic%2C%20and%20Sediment%20Transport%20Analysis.pdf

Date: 2016/09/01

Author(s): Harris A., AuBuchon J.

Publication: U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Report, 111 p.

Abstract:

The Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) has authority for river channel maintenance on the Rio Grande between Velarde, New Mexico, and the headwaters of the Caballo Reservoir. Reclamation regularly monitors changes in the river channel and evaluates channel and levee capacity in an effort to identify river maintenance sites where there is concern about possible damage to riverside facilities. The Rio Grande surrounding the Arroyo de las Cañas confluence was identified as an area of river maintenance concern as the river is confined by a levee system and the Low Flow Conveyance Channel (LFCC) to the West. The Arroyo de las Cañas influences the Rio Grande by transporting and depositing sediment at its confluence. The sediment has locally stabilized the confluence, exacerbating the erosion of the Rio Grande’s western bank. The tributary’s sediment supply may also be contributing to downstream sandbar formation.

This report provides an analysis of geomorphic and hydraulic observations within the Cañas reach. This helps evaluate changes that have and are occurring in the riverine system and aids in understanding viable future activities and potential future channel responses.