Stream Channel Reference Sites:Channel Morphometry/Water Chemistry Monitoring Protocol for the Long-term Monitoring Program at Denali National Park and Preserve

Compilation of protocols for the sampling and analyses of aquatic
systems in Denali National Park and Preserve's long-term ecological monitoring
(LTEM) program. The aquatic systems monitoring program may be separated into
three components: Stream Hydrology, Water Chemistry, and Aquatic Biology.
Stream hydrology includes physical measurements such as stream discharge, gaging
station operations, suspended sediment and turbidity measurements, channel
morphometry surveys, and bed material classification. The water chemistry
measurements include major ions, nutrients, pH, alkalinity, and conductivity.
The aquatic biological component includes benthic invertebrate collection.
Protocols for benthic invertebrate collection are documented in a separate
manual.

Geographic Description: Rock Creek Watershed in Denali National Park and
Preserve. Denali National Park and Preserve is located in the central Alaska
Range, approximately 210 km southwest of Fairbanks, Alaska.

Methodology: Channel morphometry should be measured to track both short-term and
long-term changes in channel and floodplain cross-sections and slopes. Placing a
permanent, benchmarked reference site is the first step in accomplishing
long-term monitoring of this type. Measurements should take place every one to
two years, preferably within the same month each year. In Denali National Park,
early to mid August presents an ideal time for this. The procedure to
accurately characterize stream channel and floodplain changes consists of the
following: 1. Select a site. 2. Map the site and location. 3. Measure the
channel cross-section. 4. Survey a longitudinal profile of the channel. 5.
Measure stream fllow. 6. Measure bed material. 7. Permanently file the
information.