Preliminary Hydraulic Analysis and Implications for Restoration of Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska

By Robert L. Burrows, Dustin E. Langley, and David M.Evetts

 

ABSTRACT The present-day channels of the Chena River and Noyes Slough in downtown Fairbanks, Alaska, were formed as sloughs of the Tanana River, and part of the flow of the Tanana River occupied these waterways. Flow in these channels was reduced after the completion of Moose Creek Dike in 1945, and flow in the Chena River was affected by regulation from the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, which was completed in 1980. In 1981, flow in the Chena River was regulated for the first time by Moose Creek Dam, located about 20 miles upstream from Fairbanks. Constructed as part of the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, the dam was designed to reduce maximum flows to 12,000 cubic feet per second in downtown Fairbanks. Cross-section measurements made near the entrance to Noyes Slough show that the channel bed of the Chena River has been downcutting, thereby reducing the magnitude and duration of flow in the slough. Consequently the slough slowly is drying up. Residents of the community wish to restore flow in Noyes Slough to create a clean, flowing waterway during normal summer flows. The desire is to enhance the slough as a fishery and habitat for other wildlife and for recreational boating.

CONTENTS

Abstract

Introduction

Community Interest

Purpose and Scope

Acknowledgments

Description of Study Area

Recent River History and Background

Evaluating Present-Day Hydraulics

Data and Assumptions Used in Modeling

Model Adjustment and Calibration

Using model With Modified Geometry

Related Observations

Summary and Conclusions

References Cited

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U.S. Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey Maintainer: Publications Team Last update: 11:31:53 Wed 27 Mar 2002 Privacy Statement || Disclaimer || Accessibility URL: http://pubs.water.usgs.gov/wri004227