Chapter 11

11–6
Figure 11–2 Broad-level stream classification delineation showing longitudinal, cross-sectional, and plan views of major stream types

Rosgen Geomorphic Channel Design

(210–VI–NEH, August 2007)

National Engineering Handbook

Part 654
Chapter 11 Rosgen Geomorphic Channel Design Part 654
National Engineering Handbook
Classification key for natural rivers
Figure 11–3
(210–VI–NEH, August 2007) 11–7
Chapter 11 Rosgen Geomorphic Channel Design Part 654
National Engineering Handbook

Table 11–2 General stream type descriptions and delineative criteria for broad-level classification (level 1)

Stream General Entrench- W/d Landform/

type description ment ratio ratio Sinuosity Slope soils/features
Aa+ Very steep, deeply entrenched, <1.4 <12 1.0 to 1.1 >.10 Very high relief. Erosional, bedrock,
debris transport, torrent streams or depositional features; debris flow
potential. Deeply entrenched streams.
Vertical steps with deep scour pools;
waterfalls
A Steep, entrenched, cascading, <1.4 <12 1.0 to 1.2 .04 to .10 High relief. Erosional or depositional
step-pool streams. High energy/ and bedrock forms. Entrenched and
debris transport associated with confined streams with cascading
depositional soils. Very stable if reaches. Frequently spaced, deep
bedrock or boulder-dominated pools in associated step-pool bed
channel morphology
B Moderately entrenched, moderate 1.4 to 2.2 >12 >1.2 .02 to .039 Moderate relief, colluvial deposition
gradient, riffle dominated channel and/or structural. Moderate
with infrequently spaced pools. entrenchment and width-to-depth
Very stable plan and profile. ratio. Narrow, gently sloping valleys.
Stable banks Rapids predominate with scour pools
C Low gradient, meandering, >2.2 >12 >1.2 <.02 Broad valleys with terraces, in
point bar, riffle/pool, alluvial association with flood plains, alluvial
channels with broad, well-defined soils. Slightly entrenched with well-
flood plains defined meandering channels. Riffle/
pool bed morphology
D Braided channel with long- n/a >40 n/a <.04 Broad valleys with alluvium, steeper
itudinal and transverse bars. fans. Glacial debris and depositional
Very wide channel with features. Active lateral adjustment
eroding banks with abundance of sediment supply.
Convergence/divergence bed features,
aggradational processes, high bed load
and bank erosion
DA Anastomizing (multiple channels) >2.2 Highly Highly <.005 Broad, low-gradient valleys with
narrow and deep with extensive, variable variable fine alluvium and/or lacustrine soils.
well-vegetated flood plains and Anastomized (multiple channel)
associated wetlands. Very gentle geologic control creating fine
relief with highly variable sinuosities deposition with well-vegetated bars
and width-to-depth ratios. Very stable that are laterally stable with broad
streambanks wetland flood plains. Very low bed-
load, high wash load sediment
E Low gradient, meandering riffle/pool >2.2 <12 >1.5 <.02 Broad valley/meadows. Alluvial
stream with low width-to-depth ratio materials with flood plains. Highly
and little deposition. Very efficient sinuous with stable, well-vegetated
and stable. High meander width ratio banks. Riffle/pool morphology with
very low width-to-depth ratios
F Entrenched meandering riffle/pool <1.4 >12 >1.2 <.02 Entrenched in highly weathered
channel on low gradients with material. Gentle gradients with a high
high width-to-depth ratio width-to-depth ratio. Meandering,
laterally unstable with high bank
erosion rates. Riffle/pool morphology
G Entrenched gully step-pool and <1.4 <12 >1.2 .02 to .039 Gullies, step-pool morphology with
low width-to-depth ratio on moderate moderate slopes and low width-
gradients to-depth ratio. Narrow valleys, or
deeply incised in alluvial or colluvial
materials (fans or deltas). Unstable,
with grade control problems and high
bank erosion rates

11–8 (210–VI–NEH, August 2007)