The U.S. Geological Survey has a threefold responsibility along the proposed route of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS): to investigate possible hydrologic hazards to the pipeline, to investigate possible impacts of the pipeline system on water resources, and to develop a better understanding of Arctic hydrology. One of the major hazards to the proposed pipeline and its associated roads and facilities is flooding. Floods could inundate or erode foundations of structures, could cause pipeline rupture resulting in oil spillage, or could increase erosion especially where natural floodways have been altered by clearing, excavation, and other construction activities. The primary damage to the environment from accelerated flood erosion could be the degradation of water quality and its detrimental effects on fish and other organisms. Consequently, information on floods along the pipeline corridor is vitally needed to assess possible environmental damages and to aid in the design and management of the pipeline and associated facilities. This report presents a description of existing flood information and a description of flood surveys at 13 sites along the northern segment of the proposed TAPS route from Prudhoe Bay to the Salcha River. A similar report is planned for the southern segment of the TAPS route.
