Managing urban river channel adjustments

In managing river channels, awareness is increasing to acknowledge spatial patterns of channel adjustments, to adopt a holistic catchment perspective, to progress from hard to softer engineering methods, and to utilize a geomorphological approach. However, specific methods for analyzing urban channels have not been related to a management framework. Using Fountain Hills, AZ, as an example of an urbanizing area, this paper develops a dynamic approach for urban river channels that analyzes variations in channel adjustments in a spatial context. The approach requires methods for delineating the drainage network, for dividing the network into channel segments in the area investigated according to road crossings, and for categorizing and characterizing channel segments. Using stream channel hazards as a basis for characterizing channel segments, together with consideration of community views, this approach provides a potential framework for management as illustrated provisionally by indicating the most significant hazards that require management and then suggesting possible management options.