DESCRIPTION
4.3 Project Area 36 (River Mile 10.85 to 9.0) Project Area 36 (PA-36) is located in the channel and floodplain between RM 10.85 to RM 9.0 (Tucannon River RV Park). The main objective of this project is to protect natural channel process throughout the project reach.
4.3.1.1 Channel Characterization
The channel throughout PA-36 is characterized by a wide, active channel with multiple flow paths as the result of active channel migration and bar formation. Pool development is mostly associated with stable LWD accumulations. In the active migrating areas, the channel supports a high volume of temporary sediment storage in the form of gravel bars and in the low-lying floodplain areas. A few channel segments are single-thread channels and occur where the river is aligned adjacent to Tucannon Road where riprap has been placed to protect the roadway prism. A major channel shift or avulsion is evident at RM 10.7, where the active channel has shifted to the left bank floodplain area. The old channel alignment has been completely abandoned and a large bar has formed with many large wood accumulations. Approximately 10 percent of the channel flow (during the 2012 site visit) was flowing along the right bank channel margin in a side channel. Numerous side channels are present throughout the project area. One side channel is located at the site of the major avulsion at RM 10.7 and other major side channels are located at RM 10 and RM 9.4. All these side channels contained flowing water during the 2012 site reconnaissance.
4.3.2 Conceptual Project Actions
Recommendations for PA-36 are to protect ongoing natural processes throughout the project area. No project actions are proposed for this project area.