Geomorphic Stream Monitoring of Cedar Valley Creek
Presenter(s)
Growing Alum Crystals
Abstract
A section of Cedar Valley Creek in Winona County underwent a stream restoration and habitat improvement project in 2022 to improve erosion from stream banks, water quality, and trout habitat. The project sought to stabilize the stream channel and improve flow by reshaping the floodplain, bank reinforcement using boulders and root wads, and planting native vegetation on the floodplain and stream banks. The objective of our project is to contribute to an existing dataset that analyzes the post-restoration morphological change in this section of Cedar Valley Creek. Our project uses four different methods of data collection to assess channel geomorphology. A longitudinal profile was measured to determine the downstream changes in elevation of the deepest part of the channel, bank full, and water level. This provides information on the gradient and bed-form differences, such as pools, riffles, and runs in the study area. A method was developed to monitor stream conditions using HOBO loggers to measure changes in stream stage (water level), water temperature, and air temperature throughout a season. Seven cross sections were evaluated in the stream reach using an auto level, stadia rod and measuring tape to collect elevation and distance measurements perpendicular to streamflow. These cross sections help us better understand the interaction of floodwaters and near-channel topography. We also measured the sediment size distribution by performing pebble counts using a gravelometer. Two sampling approaches were taken, a representative count of 100 samples across the study area, and riffle counts of 100 samples from four riffle locations. The representative count provides information on the grain size distribution within the entire stream reach. The riffle counts inform understanding of the maximum size of actively moving channel material. This project builds upon a foundation for the long-term geomorphic monitoring of Cedar Valley Creek after its restoration in 2022. The data collected this semester provides insights into the changes of channel shape, slope, and sediment distribution. Ideally, data collection will be repeated each semester using the same procedures with the goal of creating a multi-year dataset that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration project and to improve understanding of the influences on this specific stream system.
College
College of Science & Engineering
Department
Geoscience
Campus
Winona
First Advisor/Mentor
Dylan Blumentritt
Location
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
Start Date
4-23-2026 9:00 AM
End Date
4-23-2026 10:00 AM
Presentation Type
Poster Session
Format of Presentation or Performance
In-Person
Session
1a=9am-10am
Poster Number
15
Geomorphic Stream Monitoring of Cedar Valley Creek
Kryzsko Great River Ballroom, Winona, Minnesota; United States
A section of Cedar Valley Creek in Winona County underwent a stream restoration and habitat improvement project in 2022 to improve erosion from stream banks, water quality, and trout habitat. The project sought to stabilize the stream channel and improve flow by reshaping the floodplain, bank reinforcement using boulders and root wads, and planting native vegetation on the floodplain and stream banks. The objective of our project is to contribute to an existing dataset that analyzes the post-restoration morphological change in this section of Cedar Valley Creek. Our project uses four different methods of data collection to assess channel geomorphology. A longitudinal profile was measured to determine the downstream changes in elevation of the deepest part of the channel, bank full, and water level. This provides information on the gradient and bed-form differences, such as pools, riffles, and runs in the study area. A method was developed to monitor stream conditions using HOBO loggers to measure changes in stream stage (water level), water temperature, and air temperature throughout a season. Seven cross sections were evaluated in the stream reach using an auto level, stadia rod and measuring tape to collect elevation and distance measurements perpendicular to streamflow. These cross sections help us better understand the interaction of floodwaters and near-channel topography. We also measured the sediment size distribution by performing pebble counts using a gravelometer. Two sampling approaches were taken, a representative count of 100 samples across the study area, and riffle counts of 100 samples from four riffle locations. The representative count provides information on the grain size distribution within the entire stream reach. The riffle counts inform understanding of the maximum size of actively moving channel material. This project builds upon a foundation for the long-term geomorphic monitoring of Cedar Valley Creek after its restoration in 2022. The data collected this semester provides insights into the changes of channel shape, slope, and sediment distribution. Ideally, data collection will be repeated each semester using the same procedures with the goal of creating a multi-year dataset that can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the restoration project and to improve understanding of the influences on this specific stream system.
Comments
Dean, Ray; Nicolai, Savannah F; Ankrum, Evelyn R