Seismic Observations of Glacier Creek to Infer Timing and Magnitude of Bedload Transport

To aid in a bridge replacement feasibility analysis, bedload transport information on a stream named Glacier Creek in northern Washington State is needed. Glacier Creek in this area has a steeply-sloped channel with a cobble-boulder bed. The bedload is too large to sample using conventional methods. As an alternative, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will test two surrogate bedload monitoring methods to constrain the timing and magnitude of bedload transport during flood events. These methods include in-stream hydrophones and seismometers placed on the adjacent floodplain. The monitoring period is one year to observe flooding events. Supplemental data collected at the site, including bedload and stream discharge, will support interpretation of the seismic data.