A Watershed Assessment of River Stability and Sediment Supply (WARSSS) was conducted in two phases within the upper South Platte River watershed.
The Phase I (Reconnaissance Level) Assessment involved the compilation of existing data about the condition of waterways, land uses and potential impacts to the watershed. The goal of this phase was to identify sediment sources and channel stability problems linked to land and river management activities. Through this process, potential problem areas within the larger watershed were identified for further assessment.
Phase II (Rapid Resource Inventory) involved a more detailed screening that entailed inventory of the type, location, nature, and extent of potential sediment sources, along with the erosion potential of stream channels.
Information compiled through this study are being used to improve the effectiveness of habitat restoration projects and land management practices by providing a summary of stream stability and sedimentation rates throughout the upper watershed.