Albuquerque Arroyos Sedimentation Study: Numerical Model Investigation

The sedimentation study for the Albuquerque Arroyos Flood Control Project was conducted to determine if deposition in the concrete-lined North Diversion and Embudo Arroyo Channels would cause overtopping during the 100-year-frequency flood. The project was originally designed and constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Standard Project Flood, but the effects of sediment deposition in the channel were ignored. A recent flood deposited significant quantities of sediment in the Embudo Arroyo Channel, raising concerns about the channel's ability to carry larger flood discharges. The sedimentation study included a geomorphic assessment conducted under contract by Resource Consultants and Engineers of Fort Collins, CO. The geomorphic study assessed the stability of arroyos that drain into the North Diversion Channel and identified primary sediment sources in the watershed. The sedimentation study also included determination of sediment yield for each watershed that drains into the North Diversion Channel. Since there is no generally accepted method for calculating sediment yield, several different methods were used to calculate yield and compared with limited measured data. (AN)