The 1997 floods exposed sections of the Yellowstone pipeline crossings of Prospect Creek. The Yellowstone Pipeline Company proposed mitigation measures to prevent future erosion along the pipeline. However, the proposed measures did not take into account channel and bank stability principles. Watershed Consulting provided the Lolo National Forest, Plains/Thompson Falls Ranger District, with advice on modification of the company proposals. The modifications were based on fluvial-geomorphic stream mechanics and on fish habitat requirements, and resulted in improvement of the original YPL proposals. Based on the initial assessment of fluvial landform distribution, riparian vegetation and runoff pattern, a rigorous channel and flood prone area stability evaluation was proposed and accepted by all involved companies, private landowners and state and federal agencies. The study will result in GIS-based flood prone area stability classification, short-term restoration recommendations and long-term management goals.
Personnel involved: Steve Buckley - project management, fluvial geomorphology, project design Igor Suchomel - hydrology, project design
Contact: Dick Smith, District Ranger, Lolo National Forest, (406) 826-3821