USGS employees setting up an ADCP survey on the South Platte River near Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO.
Characterizing physical habitat of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, prior to stream restoration projects
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By Colorado Water Science Center
June 22, 2023
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring the geomorphology (bathymetry and floodplain topography) in the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, to characterize baseline conditions before planned stream restoration efforts are completed.
During the past century, the South Platte River has been affected by natural events and human-induced changes, such as urbanization, that have altered streamflow, sediment delivery, water quality, and in-stream and riparian habitats. To help restore habitat and ecological function, reduce flood risks, and improve access to recreation and education opportunities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city and county of Denver are planning restoration projects in the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado. Currently (2024), there are no baseline geomorphology datasets within the study area. These pre-restoration data collected by the USGS could be critical for evaluating geomorphology characteristics before and after the restoration projects.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The USGS is characterizing the physical geomorphology at two reaches, both of which are planned to be restored, and one reference reach, which will not undergo restoration. The first restoration reach, referred to as the Elitch Gardens reach, is from approximately N. Speer Boulevard to Interstate 25. The second restoration reach, referred to as the golf course reach, is from approximately W. Florida Avenue to W. Evans Avenue. The reference reach is from approximately W. Yale Avenue to W. Dartmouth Avenue. Data collection began in 2022 and focuses on the following:
- Collecting high-resolution aerial imagery,
- Mapping flood plain topography and surveying bathymetry,
- Surveying cross-section topography and measuring reach longitudinal profiles.
Current conditions for USGS streamgages near the study area (available at USGS water data for the Nation: U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database): |
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
ADCP setup on the South Platte near Elitch Gardens
USGS employees setting up an ADCP survey on the South Platte River near Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO.
South Platte River at Englewood, CO - Hydrograph
Streamflow duration hydrograph for the South Platte River at Englewood, Co. Hydrographs and other information are available at the USGS WaterWatch website.
Streamflow duration hydrograph for the South Platte River at Englewood, Co. Hydrographs and other information are available at the USGS WaterWatch website.
South Platte River - Elitch Gardens Reach
Photograph of the Elitch Gardens reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Photograph of the Elitch Gardens reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
South Platte River in Denver, CO
Photograph of the reference reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Photograph of the reference reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Map of South Platte River, Denver, CO
Map showing study reaches and approximate extent of restoration efforts on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Map showing study reaches and approximate extent of restoration efforts on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial Photo of the South Platte River in Denver, CO
Aerial photographs of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial photographs of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial Photo of the South Platte River in Denver, CO
Aerial photograph of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial photograph of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
South Platte River in Colorado
Photograph of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, taken by USGS personnel.
Photograph of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, taken by USGS personnel.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is monitoring the geomorphology (bathymetry and floodplain topography) in the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, to characterize baseline conditions before planned stream restoration efforts are completed.
During the past century, the South Platte River has been affected by natural events and human-induced changes, such as urbanization, that have altered streamflow, sediment delivery, water quality, and in-stream and riparian habitats. To help restore habitat and ecological function, reduce flood risks, and improve access to recreation and education opportunities, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the city and county of Denver are planning restoration projects in the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado. Currently (2024), there are no baseline geomorphology datasets within the study area. These pre-restoration data collected by the USGS could be critical for evaluating geomorphology characteristics before and after the restoration projects.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
The USGS is characterizing the physical geomorphology at two reaches, both of which are planned to be restored, and one reference reach, which will not undergo restoration. The first restoration reach, referred to as the Elitch Gardens reach, is from approximately N. Speer Boulevard to Interstate 25. The second restoration reach, referred to as the golf course reach, is from approximately W. Florida Avenue to W. Evans Avenue. The reference reach is from approximately W. Yale Avenue to W. Dartmouth Avenue. Data collection began in 2022 and focuses on the following:
- Collecting high-resolution aerial imagery,
- Mapping flood plain topography and surveying bathymetry,
- Surveying cross-section topography and measuring reach longitudinal profiles.
Current conditions for USGS streamgages near the study area (available at USGS water data for the Nation: U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System database): |
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media Details
ADCP setup on the South Platte near Elitch Gardens
USGS employees setting up an ADCP survey on the South Platte River near Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO.
USGS employees setting up an ADCP survey on the South Platte River near Elitch Gardens in Denver, CO.
South Platte River at Englewood, CO - Hydrograph
Streamflow duration hydrograph for the South Platte River at Englewood, Co. Hydrographs and other information are available at the USGS WaterWatch website.
Streamflow duration hydrograph for the South Platte River at Englewood, Co. Hydrographs and other information are available at the USGS WaterWatch website.
South Platte River - Elitch Gardens Reach
Photograph of the Elitch Gardens reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Photograph of the Elitch Gardens reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
South Platte River in Denver, CO
Photograph of the reference reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Photograph of the reference reach on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Map of South Platte River, Denver, CO
Map showing study reaches and approximate extent of restoration efforts on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Map showing study reaches and approximate extent of restoration efforts on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial Photo of the South Platte River in Denver, CO
Aerial photographs of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial photographs of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial Photo of the South Platte River in Denver, CO
Aerial photograph of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
Aerial photograph of study reaches on the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado.
South Platte River in Colorado
Photograph of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, taken by USGS personnel.
Photograph of the South Platte River in Denver, Colorado, taken by USGS personnel.