River-Lab

In 2019 grade control modifications were made to a tributary to Redwood Creek in Muir Woods National Monument as a way to evaluate the possible use of check dams to improve groundwater storage. This study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the grade control in 1) controlling or reversing incision due to prior land use changes and channel modification and 2) storing groundwater in areas adjacent to the tributary. Our results from initial monitoring efforts suggest that check dams could be effective in inducing aggradation of the streambed and reducing incision and in storing groundwater near the floodplains. However, we recommend continued monitoring to confirm their effectiveness as the tributary continues to evolve.