Rio Grande by A. Molles Upper Angostura

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General Description

The Upper Angostura reach of the Middle Rio Grande extends from the Angostura Diversion Dam situated near the confluence of the Jemez River and the Rio Grande to State Highway 44 in the City of Bernalillo.

The following bullet points highlight the promising features and constraints of the Upper Angostura reach, which provide opportunities and challenges for projects conducted in this area. This list was developed by the Bosque Hydrology Group.

Promising Features
cottonwood leaf Alternating sand bars that can be cleared and leveled for increased flood capacity.
cottonwood leaf

Islands are forming, suggesting an increase in sediment supply.
cottonwood leaf Sediment loading from side channels is occurring.

Constraints
cottonwood leaf Dissassociation of flood plain with river flow.
cottonwood leaf Reduction of spring run-off peak river flow.
cottonwood leaf Narrowing of channel "width to depth" ratios as compared to historic measurements and uniform width of channel (~ 200 m).
cottonwood leaf Invasion by exotic species: salt cedar and Russian olive.
cottonwood leaf Bank stabilization from jetty jacks and exotic species.
cottonwood leaf Increased threat of fire due to build up of woody debris.


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