North Carolina reference stream channel morphology relationships

Reference stream channel morphology relationships are valuable tools for en gineers, hydrologists, and biologists involved in stream restoration and pr otection. They can be used by designers to determine appropriate stream cha nnel dimension, pattern, and profile for various stream types and watershed conditions. This paper presents empirical relationships for reference stre am channel morphology developed from field measurements in western North Ca rolina. Nine stable rural reference reaches in the Piedmont and Mountains w ere selected to represent Rosgen stream types B, C, and E. These reaches we re surveyed to determine detailed channel dimension, pattern, and profile. Empirical relationships were developed for such parameters as pool cross-se ctional area to riffle area, maximum pool depth to bankfull width, and riff le length to bankfull width. These relationships are essential for use in d esigning restoration or stabilization of unstable reaches in similar hydrop hysiographic areas. Techniques for reference reach selection, field measure ment, data management, and data analysis are described.