Evaluation of Logjam Scour in the Context of Reach-scale River Channel Adjustments

River channel modifications for protection, enhancement and restoration often include flow resistance elements such as large wood and rock structures. Evaluating the effectiveness of these modifications in achieving design objectives can be confounded by river channel adjustments occurring at larger spatial scales throughout the reach of interest. Engineered logjams are one example where the design objectives typically include riverbed scour and the creation of pools. We surveyed riverbed elevations before and after the installation of engineered logjams, and compared those measurements to predictions from empirical scour equations. Riverbed elevations throughout the reach were also surveyed along cross-sections before and after restoration activities. River channel expansion and contraction throughout the reach was measured by mapping the unvegetated channel boundary for a period of years before and after restoration. Maximum riverbed scour immediately adjacent to the engineered logjams was 1.27 m, while maximum riverbed aggradation was 1.88 m. General riverbed scour and aggradation throughout the study reached was much larger, ranging from 2.71 m of scour to 2.96 m of aggradation. Over a period of 4 years, the channel expanded throughout the area of logjam installation, with increases in channel width ranging from 25.2 m to 58.2 m. Results from this study highlight the importance of considering large scale interactions between vegetation and river morphodynamics in the planning and implementation of river channel modifications.