DELAWARE RIVER BASIN COMMISSION

Alignment

Straightening a stream segment removes the natural meanders and reduces the former distance of the impacted segment. As stream slope is the drop in elevation divided by the stream segment's distance, the slope is increased. Erosional forces are proportional to stream slope (Rosgen and Hey, 1998). Hence increasing a stream's slope as a result of channel straightening will trigger instability. There have been many examples world-wide of such instability.

We welcome your submission of photographic examples of impacts of pre- and post-straightening of stream segments for evaluation by Commission staff. If you are considering sending us a picture, click here for instructions.

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