Hydraulic modeling analysis of the Middle Rio Grande River from Cochiti Dam to Galisteo Creek, New Mexico

Abstract

Sedimentation problems with the Middle Rio Grande have made it a subject of study for several decades for many government agencies involved in its management and maintenance. Since severe bed aggradation in the river began in the late 1800's, causing severe flooding and destroying farmland, several programs have been developed to restore the river while maintaining water quantity and quality for use downstream. Channelization works, levees, and dams were built in the early 1900's to reduce flooding, to control sediment concentrations in the river and to promote degradation of the bed. Cochiti Dam, which began operation in 1973, was constructed primarily for flood control and sediment detention. The implementation of these channel structures also had negative effects, including the deterioration of the critical habitats of some endangered species.

Citation

Novak, Susan J. 2006. Hydraulic modeling analysis of the Middle Rio Grande River from Cochiti Dam to Galisteo Creek, New Mexico. Fort Collins, CO: Colorado State University. Thesis. 158 p.