Impact of Flow Regulation on Channel Morphology Around Tributary Junctions, West and White Rivers, Vermont

By resupplying the mainstem with water and sediment, tributaries are a primary mechanism for mitigating the impacts of flow regulation. As a result, morphological and ecological adjustments associated with flow regulation may be particularly pronounced at tributary junctions. Despite the extensive literature on how dams alter channel morphology, few studies have focused specifically on the relationship between flow regulation and consequent changes in bedload sediment transport at tributary junctions. Using historical aerial photographs, modern channel surveys, and flow modeling, we compare temporal changes between regulated and unregulated tributary junction morphology and sediment transport dynamics. In contrast to what has been observed along the Colorado River, where flow regulation has led to a reduction in the number and size of channel bars, we observe significant bar growth post-regulation along the West River in southern Vermont. In some cases exposed bar area increased more than 50 percent in the first three decades after regulation and coincides with a corresponding reduction in channel width. Revegetation of former floodplain surfaces has begun to reduce the exposed bar area. However, flow modeling indicates that the channel remains underfit with respect to the new flow regime, with the current 2- and 50-yr floods lacking sufficient competence to transport the bedload sediment discharged by tributaries. Thus even 50 years post regulation, additional morphological changes are still required for the mainstem channel to fully adjust to the new flow regime.