Rio Grande by A. Molles


Click on a project text box in the map to learn more about each project. Please note that some project pages are under construction. Links are not active for these projects.

General Description

The Lower Angostura reach of the Middle Rio Grande extends from State Highway 44 in the City of Bernalillo to the Isleta Diversion Dam situated on the northwest boundary of the Pueblo of Isleta. The City of Albuquerque comprises much of the reach.

The following bullet points highlight the promising features and constraints of the Lower 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 Disassociation 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.

 
Return to the top of the page
Navigate to the MRGBI homepage
Navigate to maps of the Middle Rio Grande and its reaches
Learn more about individual projects
Review the MRGBI current request for proposals and an online submission form
Navigate to other sources of information relevant to the Middle Rio Grande
Navigate to related websites
 
Return to the top of the page