Lolo Dance - Lolo Creek

 Photos of Lolo Creek in area needing bank stabilization.

Lolo Creek from erosion to stabilization

Review of 2008

During high water in the spring, Lolo Creek was actively carving its channel to the north, at the Dance Center and Campground, rather than flowing onto the floodplain to the south of the channel. A large gravel bar, called a point bar, was building where the creek used to flow, pushing it even harder against the north bank.

Pictures of the high flows in May and June are included along with those of an emergency action we took in June 2008 to help protect the bank while we developed a plan for permanent protection. This emergency action required contacting the Missoula Conservation District, Missoula County Floodplain Administration and the Montana Department of Natural Resource Conservation's Southwest Land Office. 

Autumn is beautiful along Lolo Creek. But Lolo Creek aspires to be a river in the spring.
 
It took time to understand the permitting process for stream work in Missoula County, Montana. Our best advice at this point is to plan far ahead of the problem and start talking to the many county, state, and federal level agencies involved with stream permitting. See the links section below for overviews of the agencies' roles and regulations. The section following the links section gives contact information for Missoula County.

The process is complex, expensive, and time-consuming, but there are knowledgeable folks in these agencies who will help you. The Missoula Conservation District folks were great help in teaching and guiding us through the process.

April 2009
Work began on the stream bank restoration project in spring 2009. The last permit was signed March 12. We began gathering trees a few days later using excess trees in the campground. Lolo Creek was diverted to the south of the point bar while work was completed on the north bank. 

Log jams and a reinforced bench were created. The log jams will help deflect the force of the stream back out away from the bank. The bench will be vegetated with shrubs and grasses native to the area.

The Lolo Watershed Group (http://lolowatershed.org/default.aspx) offered to help with the revegetation work. They sent a request for help that was answered by an awesome crew from the Montana Conservation Corps. Thirteen outstanding young adults answered the call to help protect the stream by stopping erosion along the north bank. They gathered 1000 willow and dogwood cuttings from densely vegetated areas nearby. The cuttings were planted April 6. Replanting the stream bank that had been stripped of its protective riparian vegetation will help secure the soil, provide shade for fish near the banks and habitat for birds and other wildlife.

Thank you to all the members of this fine crew for helping repair lost habitat and to the Lolo Watershed Group for looking out for the health of Lolo Creek. Also, thank you to Zach, a U of M student doing a research project on the creek for helping with willow cuttings.

Reconstruction
It is not pretty!! Log jams are built of trees with roots attached, layered over footer or cross logs, weighted down with large rocks, gravels placed down within the gravels of the creek bottom. 

Additional layers of logs are added, weighted in place, then covered with gravels and rocks. 

Rootwad bases are angled upstream to work to deflect the current away from the bank. 

Benches in between the log jams will sit a few inches above the bankful level of the creek. 

The entire area was planted with shrub cuttings from the area and rooted shrubs and trees native to the area. In high water of spring, the jams and vegetated bench helped protect the high bank from further erosion even though the plantings were very young. High water flows gently on the bankful bench while the jams deflect the main force of the current back toward the center of the stream. 

Two growing seasons later the willows and dogwoods form a dense edge along the stream and are 5-8 feet tall. Fishing is great along the stabilized bank. 





Pictures from May 20, 2008 when high water brought serious erosion

May 2008

Cottonwood point at the downstream end of erosion problem area
Cottonwood point at the downstream end of erosion problem area
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Looking upstream from cottonwood point. We are losing our stream side shrubs and saplings.
Looking upstream from cottonwood point. We are losing our stream side shrubs and saplings.
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This water and electric service post was more than 10 feet from the creek before runoff began bank erosion in 2008
This water and electric service post was more than 10 feet from the creek before runoff began bank erosion in 2008
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Trees & ground under service post were completely removed by the creek
Trees & ground under service post were completely removed by the creek
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Notice the bank curving downward as the soils under the plants are washed away. Vegetation and the top of the bank fall in and are washed away.
Notice the bank curving downward as the soils under the plants are washed away. Vegetation and the top of the bank fall in and are washed away.
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This fence was 10 feet from the water's edge before high water undercut the bank. We removed the fence before the creek could wash it away and cause problems downstream.
This fence was 10 feet from the water's edge before high water undercut the bank. We removed the fence before the creek could wash it away and cause problems downstream.
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Looking upstream from the middle of the erosion area. The bank eroded 5 to 10 feet to the north per day. Notice the curl of remaining terrace as it is about to break off and fall into the stream.
Looking upstream from the middle of the erosion area. The bank eroded 5 to 10 feet to the north per day. Notice the curl of remaining terrace as it is about to break off and fall into the stream.
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This section of fence was removed as the stream took the ground out from under it.
This section of fence was removed as the stream took the ground out from under it.
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The fence once protected the vegetation growing along the creek's edge. Nearly all of the streamside trees and shrubs were undercut and washed away.
The fence once protected the vegetation growing along the creek's edge. Nearly all of the streamside trees and shrubs were undercut and washed away.
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Looking downstream near the upper point of the eroding area.
Looking downstream near the upper point of the eroding area.
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Cut off channel ran forcefully.
Cut off channel ran forcefully.
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High water flowing through floodplain. This is a good thing. The water is slowed and cleaned by riparian plants.
High water flowing through floodplain. This is a good thing. The water is slowed and cleaned by riparian plants.
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Cut off channel is forming due to log jam blockage upstream
Cut off channel is forming due to log jam blockage upstream
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Lolo Creek at the log jam near the upstream end of the campground
Lolo Creek at the log jam near the upstream end of the campground
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Lolo Creek turns into a river in the spring
Lolo Creek turns into a river in the spring
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Huge logjam forces the creek into a very tight bend. Some water flows over into cutoff channel.
Huge logjam forces the creek into a very tight bend. Some water flows over into cutoff channel.
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Upstream of the logjam (at the left edge of the picture).
Upstream of the logjam (at the left edge of the picture).
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Lolo Creek will cut off the tight bend in the creek and flow straight through the channnel it is forming.
Lolo Creek will cut off the tight bend in the creek and flow straight through the channnel it is forming.
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Water flowing into the log jam is pushed into a tight bend. Some flows over and through the floodplain beyond the jam. a good thing for the creek to do.
Water flowing into the log jam is pushed into a tight bend. Some flows over and through the floodplain beyond the jam. a good thing for the creek to do.
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Another view from upstream of the log jam and tight bend.
Another view from upstream of the log jam and tight bend.
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The log jam forces the creek to make a bend tighter than 90 degrees. Take a look at the air photos section.
The log jam forces the creek to make a bend tighter than 90 degrees. Take a look at the air photos section.
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A view of the tight bend in the creek. Before the log jam formed, the creek made a lazy bend. See the 1977 air photo.
A view of the tight bend in the creek. Before the log jam formed, the creek made a lazy bend. See the 1977 air photo.
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Pictures from May 21, 2008

May 21 2008

Another tree is lost to the creek at the downstream end of the eroding area. The remaining young pine was also lost a couple of days later.
Another tree is lost to the creek at the downstream end of the eroding area. The remaining young pine was also lost a couple of days later.
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Putting up a safety fence to keep campers from approaching the rapidly eroding stream bank.
Putting up a safety fence to keep campers from approaching the rapidly eroding stream bank.
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Remember the service post? The creek cut another 10 feet to the north. The water and electric service lines were suspended over the creek until pulled to safety.
Remember the service post? The creek cut another 10 feet to the north. The water and electric service lines were suspended over the creek until pulled to safety.
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The little, very old, homestead apple tree at the right of the picture used to be far (40-50 feet or more) from the edge of the creek. When the high water subsided, it was left only a few feet from the edge, some of its roots exposed. Sadly, it will be lost.
The little, very old, homestead apple tree at the right of the picture used to be far (40-50 feet or more) from the edge of the creek. When the high water subsided, it was left only a few feet from the edge, some of its roots exposed. Sadly, it will be lost.
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The soils are soft and sandy with cobbles interspersed. With all the remaining stream bank vegetation gone, there is nothing to prevent further erosion.
The soils are soft and sandy with cobbles interspersed. With all the remaining stream bank vegetation gone, there is nothing to prevent further erosion.
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Pictures from June 4, 2008

June 4 2008

Downstream end of erosion problem area. Looking at the base of the leaning cottonwoods.
Downstream end of erosion problem area. Looking at the base of the leaning cottonwoods.
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There was tremendous water pressure on the roots of the cottonwoods at the lower end of the eroded scallop area. They probably won't survive another spring run off. If they rip out, another 100 to 150 feet of bank downstream will be vulnerable to erosion.
There was tremendous water pressure on the roots of the cottonwoods at the lower end of the eroded scallop area. They probably won't survive another spring run off. If they rip out, another 100 to 150 feet of bank downstream will be vulnerable to erosion.
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Looking upstream from teh cottonwoods.
Looking upstream from teh cottonwoods.
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Even with all the roots throughout the stream bank, soil was washed away and vegetation eventually fell in and was washed away.
Even with all the roots throughout the stream bank, soil was washed away and vegetation eventually fell in and was washed away.
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A young fallen cottonwood held on by the roots and partially protected the bank as it lay in the water along the edge of the stream.
A young fallen cottonwood held on by the roots and partially protected the bank as it lay in the water along the edge of the stream.
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The little apple tree and a large pine are too close to the creek now to survive another runoff or bank stabilization work which will require sloping back from the edge of the water.
The little apple tree and a large pine are too close to the creek now to survive another runoff or bank stabilization work which will require sloping back from the edge of the water.
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Lolo Creek carved out a cresent shape in the north bank. The area removed is about 230 ft long by 20 ft at the widest point.
Lolo Creek carved out a cresent shape in the north bank. The area removed is about 230 ft long by 20 ft at the widest point.
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Lolo Creek carved out a cresent shape in the north bank. The area removed is about 230 ft long by 20 ft at the widest point.
Lolo Creek carved out a cresent shape in the north bank. The area removed is about 230 ft long by 20 ft at the widest point.
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Upstream end of erosion problem area
Upstream end of erosion problem area
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Emergency action June 10-11, 2008

Emergency Action 12 Logs placed along eroding edge, rootwad placed upstream

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Pictures from later June 2008

June 17, 2008

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June 18, 2008

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June 19, 2008

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June 22, 2008

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June 23, 2008

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Autumn on Lolo Creek: Pictures from October 5, 2008

2008-10-06

Erosion at cottonwoods
Erosion at cottonwoods
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Erosion looking upstream from cottonwood hole at downstream end of erosion.
Erosion looking upstream from cottonwood hole at downstream end of erosion.
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Erosion at cottonwoods. It is highly unlikely these trees can survive. They are protecting the area further downstream from erosion.
Erosion at cottonwoods. It is highly unlikely these trees can survive. They are protecting the area further downstream from erosion.
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In 2008, Lolo Creek carved a 15 to 20 ft hole into the bank just upstream from the creekside cottonwoods.
In 2008, Lolo Creek carved a 15 to 20 ft hole into the bank just upstream from the creekside cottonwoods.
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View upstream from cottonwood hole. Lolo Creek moved a stream width to the north in spring 2008. The creek has been moving northward a few to several feet each year for the past 8-10 years and has built a substantial gravel bar in the area where the creek used to run.
View upstream from cottonwood hole. Lolo Creek moved a stream width to the north in spring 2008. The creek has been moving northward a few to several feet each year for the past 8-10 years and has built a substantial gravel bar in the area where the creek used to run.
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Erosion ocurred along 230 feet of the north bank of Lolo Creek
Erosion ocurred along 230 feet of the north bank of Lolo Creek
IMG_0021.JPG 2008-10-05 Erosion occurred along 230 feet of the north bank of Lolo Creek

Vegetation along creek downstream of eroded area. The cottonwoods at risk can be seen leaning outward from the bank.
Vegetation along creek downstream of eroded area. The cottonwoods at risk can be seen leaning outward from the bank.
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One suggested repair alternative is to start at the new position of the north edge of the creek, then build a revegetated bench and peel back the top of the terrace to put it back to a 2:1 angle of slope to the creek. The yellow tape line shows the proposed top of bank.
One suggested repair alternative is to start at the new position of the north edge of the creek, then build a revegetated bench and peel back the top of the terrace to put it back to a 2:1 angle of slope to the creek. The yellow tape line shows the proposed top of bank.
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Alternative to start reconstruction at the current water edge puts top of bank 18 feet from deck
Alternative to start reconstruction at the current water edge puts top of bank 18 feet from deck
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Alternative to start at water edge puts top of bank 18 feet from deck. Allowing continued erosion or peeling back the bank to remove the unstable vertical cut to the creek,will remove the remaining creek side vegetation and large trees.
Alternative to start at water edge puts top of bank 18 feet from deck. Allowing continued erosion or peeling back the bank to remove the unstable vertical cut to the creek,will remove the remaining creek side vegetation and large trees.
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Line at proposed top of bank - alternative to start at water edge, also represents the estimated location of bank if allowed to continue to erode.
Line at proposed top of bank - alternative to start at water edge, also represents the estimated location of bank if allowed to continue to erode.
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Line at proposed top of bank - alternative to start repairs at water edge and peel back the terrace or edge of terrace if erosion continues at same rate spring of 2009
Line at proposed top of bank - alternative to start repairs at water edge and peel back the terrace or edge of terrace if erosion continues at same rate spring of 2009
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the edge of the yellow line by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the edge of the yellow line by spring 2009.
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the yellow line by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the yellow line by spring 2009.
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching this point by spring 2009.
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Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the yellow line by spring 2009.
Allternative to start stream bank restoration a the current at water edge would remove streamside vegetation. Leaving the bank unprotected could result in the stream reaching the yellow line by spring 2009.
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Reshaping the bank would cause mature pines and stream-side vegetation to be lost
Reshaping the bank would cause mature pines and stream-side vegetation to be lost
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Tape on ground marks top of terrace if stream bank must be reshaped from the water edge. Note vegetation that will be lost.
Tape on ground marks top of terrace if stream bank must be reshaped from the water edge. Note vegetation that will be lost.
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Campsites and vegetation will be lost if erosion continues
Campsites and vegetation will be lost if erosion continues
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Campsites and vegetation will be lost if erosion continues
Campsites and vegetation will be lost if erosion continues
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Lolo Creek will come too close to the home if erosion is not stopped.
Lolo Creek will come too close to the home if erosion is not stopped.
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Campsites, access, pines, stream vegetation will be lost if bank is reshaped or erosion continues at current rate.
Campsites, access, pines, stream vegetation will be lost if bank is reshaped or erosion continues at current rate.
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Mature pines and riparian vegetation that will be lost to erosion
Mature pines and riparian vegetation that will be lost to erosion
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Campsites, access, pines, stream vegetation will be lost if bank is reshaped or erosion continues at current rate.
Campsites, access, pines, stream vegetation will be lost if bank is reshaped or erosion continues at current rate.
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Yellow line marks edge of stream bank if erosion continues another year at same rate as 2008. It also marks the edge if we are required to shape the bank from the present water edge.
Yellow line marks edge of stream bank if erosion continues another year at same rate as 2008. It also marks the edge if we are required to shape the bank from the present water edge.
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Remaining remnant of shrubs and young trees will be lost if erosion is not stopped.
Remaining remnant of shrubs and young trees will be lost if erosion is not stopped.
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A compromise alternative to reshaping the bank from the water's edge (yellow line) is to add log jams and narrow bench along the creek, reducing the size of the point bar and reshaping the upper 5 feet of the terrace.
A compromise alternative to reshaping the bank from the water's edge (yellow line) is to add log jams and narrow bench along the creek, reducing the size of the point bar and reshaping the upper 5 feet of the terrace.
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Upstream end of project
Upstream end of project
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Upstream end of project
Upstream end of project
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Typical stramside vegetation
Typical stramside vegetation
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Lolo Creek moved about 20 feet to the north in spring 2008
Lolo Creek moved about 20 feet to the north in spring 2008
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Point bar of gravel grew in height by several feet
Point bar of gravel grew in height by several feet
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Point bar of gravel grew by 15-20 feet in depth suring spring 2008
Point bar of gravel grew by 15-20 feet in depth suring spring 2008
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Upper end of gravel point bar pushes creek further to the north
Upper end of gravel point bar pushes creek further to the north
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Erosion spring 2008 removed 1 campsite and much vegetation
Erosion spring 2008 removed 1 campsite and much vegetation
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View down length of proposed streambank restoration project. The creek is running where the campground was before spring runoff in 2008.
View down length of proposed streambank restoration project. The creek is running where the campground was before spring runoff in 2008.
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Pictures from late winter February 10, 2009

2009-02-10 Low water exposes the eroded bank and logs used to slow the water.

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Willow Crew - April 1, 2009

2009-04-01 Willow Crew

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Stabilization Project March 30 - April 8, 2009. Four log jams between 4 benches

March 30, 2009

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March 31, 2009

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April 1, 2009

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April 2, 2009

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April 3, 2009

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April 4, 2009

Log jam #4
Log jam #4
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Stabilization area after 2 growing seasons

2010-09-09

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Fishing toward the restored stream bank
Fishing toward the restored stream bank
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Caught and released brook trout
Caught and released brook trout
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Links to help with stream problems

Guide to Stream Permitting
Joint application forms and instructions
Missoula Conservation District
Missoula County Floodplain Administration
Department of Natural Resources Land Office for your area
US Army Corps of Engineers
Montana Department of Environmental Quality
Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks - Fisheries
Montana Department of Natural Resources Floodplain Management
Lolo Watershed Group
Notice of Emergency form 275

Who to contact for stream and river problems or projects if you live in Missoula County

Agencies to contact before you start work

within the floodplain
 or in, on, over, or under a stream 

Obtain the Joint Application for Proposed Work in Streams,

Lakes and Wetlands in Montana

http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/Permits/StreamPermitting/JointApplication.asp

 

Missoula Conservation District

Contact if planning any action, including emergency action, within water way or its floodplain

www.missoulacd.org

3550 Mullan Road, Suite 106
Missoula, MT 59808-5125
Phone: 406-829-3395 ext. 101

Tara Comfort
District Administrator/Resource Conservationist
Phone: 406-829-3395, extension 113
Email: tara.comfort@mt.nacdnet.net

 

Lori Zeiser
District Administrative Assistant
Phone: 406-829-3395, extension 101
Email: mslacd@montana.com

 

Missoula County Floodplain Administration

Contact if planning any action, including emergency action, within water way or its floodplain

http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/opgweb/Floodplain/Floodplain.htm

 

Todd Kleitz

Floodplain Administrator

435 Ryman Street
Missoula, MT 59802

Phone: 406-258-4841

Email: tklietz@co.missoula.mt.us

 

Montana Floodplain and Floodway Management

Contact if planning any construction, bridge, irrigation system, etc. within 100 year floodplain

http://www.dnrc.mt.gov/wrd/water%5Fop/floodplain/

Floodplain Management

DNRC Water Resources

1424 9th Avenue

Helena, MT 59620-1601

 

Larry Schock, CFM

Water Resources Division
1610 South Third Street West, Suite 103
P.O. Box 5004

Missoula, Montana 59806-5004
Email: lschock@mt.gov

Phone: 406/721-4284
Fax:   542-1496

 

 

Navigable Waters – Local DNRC Land Office

Contact if planning any action, including emergency action, within low water line or abandoned channel of a navigable water way. Remember the state of Montana is the owner of the stream under the low water line and any abandoned channel.

http://dnrc.mt.gov/field_operations/areaoffices/MissoulaSWLO.asp

Southwestern Land Office

1401 27th Ave.
Missoula, MT  59804
Phone: 406/542-4200
Fax: 406/542-4285

 

Dana Boruch

Right-of-Way Specialist

Email: dboruch@mt.gov

Phone: 406-542-4286

 

Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks

Contact if you are an agency or part of a federal, state, county or city government planning a project that might affect the bed or banks of a stream in Montana. A representative works with the Conservation District Board.

http://fwp.mt.gov/fishing/management/

 

Ladd Knotek

Fisheries Biologist

Email: through the following website:

http://fwp.mt.gov/doingBusiness/contactUs/staff

Phone: 406-542-5506

 

Water Protection Bureau
Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality
Contact if your project will cause short term or temporary violation of state surface water quality standards for turbidity.

http://www.deq.mt.gov/wqinfo/default.mcpx

Permitting and Compliance Division
1520 E Sixth Avenue
Helena, Montana  59620
(406) 444-3080

 

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Contact for any project that might affect water quality or any construction in, on, over or under a federally listed navigable water.

http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/html/od-rmt/mthome.htm

Helena Regulatory Office

 10 West 15th Street, Suite 2200

Helena, Montana  59626  

Ph:  406-441-1375

 

Allan Steinle

State Program Manager

Email: Allan.E.Steinle@usace.army.mil

 

Email: Deborah.L.Blank@usace.army.mil

 


Featured pictures

From Erosion to Stabilization a story in photos

Change over time as seen from the air.

Air photo from 1977. Watch how the shape changes over the years. The lazy bends in the left of the picture tighten.
Air photo from 1977. Watch how the shape changes over the years. The lazy bends in the left of the picture tighten.
stream1977_document.jpg 2008-10-12
This view is from winter 2006. A log jam formed and continures to grow forcing the creek into a tight bend in the lower left (upstream portion of the creek at the campground property.) A inverted horseshoe shaped channel became blocked by gravel pushed ahead of an ice jam in 1996. It appears as a ghost channel in the snow. The meanders through the floodplain to the right of the stream were cut off to the high water flows forcing the entire stream to make a long hard run at the north bank.
This view is from winter 2006. A log jam formed and continures to grow forcing the creek into a tight bend in the lower left (upstream portion of the creek at the campground property.) A inverted horseshoe shaped channel became blocked by gravel pushed ahead of an ice jam in 1996. It appears as a ghost channel in the snow. The meanders through the floodplain to the right of the stream were cut off to the high water flows forcing the entire stream to make a long hard run at the north bank.
streamchannel2006.jpg 2008-10-06
This view is from early autumn 2007. A scallop is forming just upstream of the house (green roof) cutting 5 to 20 feet northward each year in recent years.
This view is from early autumn 2007. A scallop is forming just upstream of the house (green roof) cutting 5 to 20 feet northward each year in recent years.
streamchannel2007.jpg 2008-10-06
Lolo Creek cut the north bank to the position of the white line in spring 2008.
Lolo Creek cut the north bank to the position of the white line in spring 2008.
goggle_2008_length.jpg 2008-10-06
Google Earth 09/01/2009
Google Earth 09/01/2009
This Google Earth image shows the completed stabilization site. Look closely to see the 4 log jams.
Lolo Creek cut 20 feet to the north at this point in spring 2008. This base image is from 2007.
Lolo Creek cut 20 feet to the north at this point in spring 2008. This base image is from 2007.
Lolo Creek cut 20 feet to the north at this point in spring 1008. This image is from 2007.Google_2008_depth.JPG

The long, straight northward run of more than 600 feet is causing the creek to erode into the campground and toward the home at the bend. The dashed line shows were the creek could be by summer 2009.
The long, straight northward run of more than 600 feet is causing the creek to erode into the campground and toward the home at the bend. The dashed line shows were the creek could be by summer 2009.
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Close-up of the position the creek would reach in 2009 if stream bank is not protected.
Close-up of the position the creek would reach in 2009 if stream bank is not protected.
Google Medium fix.JPG 2008-10-06
This is a 2007 image of the area. Lolo Creek cut northward to the position of the yellow line nearest the creek in spring 2008. Another year of erosion at a similar rate would put the creek at the position of the second yellow line.
This is a 2007 image of the area. Lolo Creek cut northward to the position of the yellow line nearest the creek in spring 2008. Another year of erosion at a similar rate would put the creek at the position of the second yellow line.
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One way to stabilize the bank would be to cut it back at a 2:1 slope from the current position of the water's edge. The slope would be planted with riparian shrubs and trees. The line shows the position of the top of the bank if that approach is used. Unfortunately, if no action is taken, the creek may cut to this point during spring 2009 run off.
One way to stabilize the bank would be to cut it back at a 2:1 slope from the current position of the water's edge. The slope would be planted with riparian shrubs and trees. The line shows the position of the top of the bank if that approach is used. Unfortunately, if no action is taken, the creek may cut to this point during spring 2009 run off.
Google_long_fix.JPG 2008-10-06

Picture sequences through the years

Pictures from the past

1989, looking downstream. The ground on which our friends were standing is now in the creek
1989, looking downstream. The ground on which our friends were standing is now in the creek
1989group.jpg 2007-02-19
1993, looking downstream. The pine on the left was undercut and fell in the next spring.
1993, looking downstream. The pine on the left was undercut and fell in the next spring.
early90s.jpg 2007-02-19
1994, looking downstream. The creek continues to cut north. The big pines on the left near the bank fell in the the following year.
1994, looking downstream. The creek continues to cut north. The big pines on the left near the bank fell in the the following year.
1994.jpg 2007-02-19
2000. Looking downstream. Notice the bench and dense vegetation along the creek.
2000. Looking downstream. Notice the bench and dense vegetation along the creek.
looking downstream 2000.jpg 2008-10-13
2002. Taken from the creek from a point several feet upstream of the last photo, looking downstream. Notice the low bank with lots of vegetation on the left side of the creek.
2002. Taken from the creek from a point several feet upstream of the last photo, looking downstream. Notice the low bank with lots of vegetation on the left side of the creek.
looking down_2002.jpg 2008-06-04
2006/07, winter. Looking downstream. The low bench and much of the streamside vegetation is gone.
2006/07, winter. Looking downstream. The low bench and much of the streamside vegetation is gone.
Amy_Looking down winter_0607.jpg 2006-12-07
2008 Spring, looking downstream. A crescent, 230 feet long by 20 feet at the widest point eroded away in a matter of days. Nothing remains to prevent further erosion.
2008 Spring, looking downstream. A crescent, 230 feet long by 20 feet at the widest point eroded away in a matter of days. Nothing remains to prevent further erosion.
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Mid 1990s looking upstream from the lower end of the erosion site. There was a little trail that ran along the creek through dense vegetation on a bench. The bench was dry most of the year, but helped to slow runoff in the spring when high water flowed over the top of the bank of the low bench. This is how a healthy stream bank works.
Mid 1990s looking upstream from the lower end of the erosion site. There was a little trail that ran along the creek through dense vegetation on a bench. The bench was dry most of the year, but helped to slow runoff in the spring when high water flowed over the top of the bank of the low bench. This is how a healthy stream bank works.
mid 90s looking upstream.jpg 2008-10-06
2002 Spring, looking upstream. Notice the trail along the creek bank. The low bench and the protection it gave are gone.
2002 Spring, looking upstream. Notice the trail along the creek bank. The low bench and the protection it gave are gone.
looking up2002.jpg 2008-06-04
2008, April, looking upstream. The trail along the creek eroded away in the years between 2000 and 2006. The spot where Dacia is standing was lost to the creek in May 2008.
2008, April, looking upstream. The trail along the creek eroded away in the years between 2000 and 2006. The spot where Dacia is standing was lost to the creek in May 2008.
Dacia spring 2008.jpg 2008-07-03
2008, June. The location at which my daughter was standing in April is now lost to the creek. The creek cut 10 to 15 feet to the north at this point. You can see the area behind the photo point is collapsing into the creek.
2008, June. The location at which my daughter was standing in April is now lost to the creek. The creek cut 10 to 15 feet to the north at this point. You can see the area behind the photo point is collapsing into the creek.
0604us .JPG 2008-06-04

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5/17/2012 11:40:14 AM