OutdoorNebraska

16 Nebraska Game and Parks Commission • Floating The Good Life CALAMUS RIVER/MEANDERING RIVER Meandering Rivers This river type is generally present in broad alluvial valleys, which is formed by sediment deposits. It has well-developed floodplains and well-vegetated lake meadows with gentle slopes as seen in Figure 3. Nebraska rivers that exhibit this characteristic stream type include – the Calamus (pictured on right), Dismal, North Loup (upstream of Ord), Cedar, Niobrara, Elkhorn, Little Blue, and Nemaha. General characteristics of meandering rivers include: • Very stable and efficient. This river type represents the developmental end of channel stability and river process efficiency. • Very high channel sinuosity with a consistent sequence of riffle and pool reaches. • Generally occur in alluvial valleys with low elevation relief. • Sensitive to disturbance. Channel aggradation, degradation, and lateral movement are dependent upon the natural stability of riverbanks, conditions within the upstream watershed, and the flow and sediment regime. • Characteristic point bars, which are areas of sand or gravel, may be present within the active flow of the river channel. Figure 3: Meandering Rivers Meandering rivers are characterized by a series of turns or bends and alternating pools, riffles, and runs. This river type is generally low energy and stable. MEANDERING RIVERS RIFFLES are shallow and steeper reaches in the river where rivers flow at increased rates and often contain rocks, submerged trees, or other objects. RUNS are long, straight segments of river that are generally stable and of moderate water depth to provide suitable launch access. DEEP POOLS or SCOUR HOLES typically occur at outside bends in the river. Deep pools provide benefits to fish and other aquatic habitat. OUTSIDE BENDS in the river are significantly influenced by water forces as the land forces the main channel to change direction. Unstable river embankments experience the greatest chance of erosion or bank failure. Correct placement of a river access is critical to long-term access maintenance and bank stabilization. The THALWEG is the main flow path in the river channel and is primarily responsible for reshaping river bends by eroding embankments or depositing sediment. Inside bends or POINT BARS receive deposits of sand and gravel, forming relatively shallow water areas good for shore launches. However, they may be of limited use to paddlecraft and able-bodied individuals due to frequent changes in shape and size.

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