Channelization: A Case Study

Abstract

Channelization of the Blackwater River in Johnson County, Missouri, 60 years ago nearly doubled the gradient, which caused an increase in the rate of erosion for the river and its tributaries. Since the present channel is much wider and deeper than it was when newly dredged, there have been bridge repairs and loss of farmland. Downstream reduction in channel capacity due to termination of dredging has caused channel sedimentation and increased flooding.