The Roles of Dam Dimensions and Surface Porosity on the Water Storing Capacity of Beaver Dam Analogs Compared to Natural Beaver Dams

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Camille McNeely

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Start Date

5-7-2024 9:30 AM

End Date

5-7-2024 9:50 AM

Location

PAT 328

Primary Discipline of Presentation

Biology

Abstract

Widespread stream incision in the Western United States, exacerbated by climate change and anthropogenic activities, necessitates effective restoration strategies. This study aims to compare water retention by Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) to natural beaver dams and undammed control reaches. We compared how dam dimensions affect the hydraulic performance of both BDAs and natural beaver dams, revealing gaps in research on their comparative effectiveness. The study was conducted across eight watersheds in Washington state and two in Idaho. Hydraulic retention time (HRT), water travel time, and pool volume were response variables used to determine dam effectiveness. Dam height, thickness, length and porosity were the predictor variables. While BDA water travel times were significantly longer than control sites, natural beaver sites exhibited significantly higher HRT than BDA sites. Beaver dams were also significantly thicker and longer than BDAs. Dam thickness, height, and dam type were identified as the most influential factors in determining HRT for both types. For BDAs, height and porosity significantly affected HRT, and among beaver dams, there were no significant predictors. Beaver dams also held a significantly larger volume of water than BDAs, with height and discharge as significant predictors. For BDAs, height significantly affected pool volume. Findings suggest that, that while BDAs have a shorter water retention time compared to beaver dams, they do slow water compared to their control sites. The study highlights the need to consider dam dimensions and surface porosity in the design of BDAs to enhance their effectiveness.

This document is currently not available here.

Share

COinS
 
May 7th, 9:30 AM May 7th, 9:50 AM

The Roles of Dam Dimensions and Surface Porosity on the Water Storing Capacity of Beaver Dam Analogs Compared to Natural Beaver Dams

PAT 328

Widespread stream incision in the Western United States, exacerbated by climate change and anthropogenic activities, necessitates effective restoration strategies. This study aims to compare water retention by Beaver Dam Analogs (BDAs) to natural beaver dams and undammed control reaches. We compared how dam dimensions affect the hydraulic performance of both BDAs and natural beaver dams, revealing gaps in research on their comparative effectiveness. The study was conducted across eight watersheds in Washington state and two in Idaho. Hydraulic retention time (HRT), water travel time, and pool volume were response variables used to determine dam effectiveness. Dam height, thickness, length and porosity were the predictor variables. While BDA water travel times were significantly longer than control sites, natural beaver sites exhibited significantly higher HRT than BDA sites. Beaver dams were also significantly thicker and longer than BDAs. Dam thickness, height, and dam type were identified as the most influential factors in determining HRT for both types. For BDAs, height and porosity significantly affected HRT, and among beaver dams, there were no significant predictors. Beaver dams also held a significantly larger volume of water than BDAs, with height and discharge as significant predictors. For BDAs, height significantly affected pool volume. Findings suggest that, that while BDAs have a shorter water retention time compared to beaver dams, they do slow water compared to their control sites. The study highlights the need to consider dam dimensions and surface porosity in the design of BDAs to enhance their effectiveness.