Hydrologic Response of Streams Restored with Check Dams in the Chiricahua Mountains, Arizona

Abstract

In this study, hydrological processes are evaluated to determine impacts of stream restoration in the West Turkey Creek, Chiricahua Mountains, southeast Arizona, during a summer-monsoon season (June-October of 2013). A paired-watershed approach was used to analyze the effectiveness of check dams to mitigate high flows and impact long-term maintenance of hydrologic function. One watershed had been extensively altered by the installation of numerous small check dams over the past 30 years, and the other was untreated (control). We modified and installed a new stream-gauging mechanism developed for remote areas, to compare the water balance and calculate rainfall-runoff ratios. Results show that even 30 years after installation, most of the check dams were still functional. The watershed treated with check dams has a lower runoff response to precipitation compared with the untreated, most notably in measurements of peak flow. Concerns that downstream flows would be reduced in the treated watershed, due to storage of water behind upstream check dams, were not realized; instead, flow volumes were actually higher overall in the treated stream, even though peak flows were dampened. We surmise that check dams are a useful management tool for reducing flow velocities associated with erosion and degradation and posit they can increase baseflow in aridlands.

Model analysis of check dam impacts on long-term sediment and water budgets in Southeast Arizona, USA

“…Seasonal discharge for the monsoon season in 2013, developed by Norman et al (2015), served as the basis of the calibration. First the model was calibrated to accommodate the water balance and then the shape of the hydrograph.…”

“…Sands, silts, and clays with organic material have deposited and filled areas above the dams, forming wide areas of alluvial deposits. Norman et al (2015) paired the adjacent and untreated (Control) Rock Creek watershed (2405 ha) to document variations in discharge using a modified-Continuous Slope Area method. The Rock Creek flows through deep channels, with large boulders, and over exposed bedrock and is approximately 10 km from outlet to peak, where topographic relief varies by 1238 m. Results demonstrated a lower runoff response (peak flow) in the Turkey Pen (Treated) watershed, yet 28% more volume via extended base-flows.…”

“…In fact, the density of check dams has altered the channel characteristics too drastically to portray as surface-water impoundments. Discharge data collected by Norman et al (2015) from June to October, 2013, from the paired watershed hydrographs were used to calibrate the SWAT model. First, we calibrated the SWAT model using the field data collected from the outlet at Rock Creek (Control).…”

Analysis of vegetation recovery surrounding a restored wetland using the normalized difference infrared index (NDII) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)

“…Water-harvesting techniques using rock detention structures were originally developed by native tribes (Fish and Fish 1984). Norman et al (2014Norman et al ( , 2015Norman et al ( , 2016 have documented increased surface water and vegetation health at riparian sites treated with these erosion control structures (ECSs) in southeastern Arizona, USA, and northern Sonora, Mexico. However, the impacts of watershed restoration techniques on downstream surface water and on groundwater aquifers are undocumented.…”

Modelling Development of Riparian Ranchlands Using Ecosystem Services at the Aravaipa Watershed, SE Arizona

“…Results of introducing ranchettes portray slight reductions in lateral soil water and ET. The importance of lateral flows and bank storage to maintaining water availability in arid lands is becoming better understood [62,63]. For example, Schreiner-McGraw and Vivoni [64] deemed the connectivity along hillslope-channel pathways an essential control on the streamflow generation and groundwater recharge in arid regions.…”