The relations among river flow, floodplain water level, and instream dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations are important but poorly understood for the Roanoke River. Flooding and floodplain inundation no longer follow a natural seasonal pattern of flooding in the winter and occasionally in the fall, and lower flows throughout the remainder of the year, but are primarily governed by upstream reservoir releases. The objective of this study was to provide the flow and water-quality modeling tools that can be used to assess the effects of changes in John H. Kerr operations on Roanoke River flows; duration, extent, depth, and timing of floodplain inundation; DO levels in the river; and intrusion of brackish water from Albemarle Sound upstream into the river.
Background:
The relations among river flow, floodplain water level, and instream dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations are important but poorly understood for the Roanoke River. Flooding and floodplain inundation no longer follow a natural seasonal pattern of flooding in the winter and occasionally in the fall, and lower flows throughout the remainder of the year, but are primarily governed by upstream reservoir releases. The timing, duration, and extent of floodplain inundation can have either positive or negative effects on the ecosystem in the lower Roanoke River corridor, depending on the inundation characteristics. Timing, depth, and duration of floodplain inundation affects habitat use and reproductive success of wildlife and regeneration of bottomland hardwood trees.
During the relicensing process for the Roanoke Rapids and Gaston hydropower projects, studies identified potential opportunities to restore various Roanoke River habitats and mitigate effects of reservoir operations. Because operations of the John H. Kerr project primarily control overall flows in the Roanoke River, there may be a need to consider modifications in the operating rules of the project. Modeling tools, developed from extensive and credible site-specific data, are needed in order to assess effects of possible changes in Kerr operations on downstream flows, floodplain habitat, and water quality.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to provide the flow and water-quality modeling tools that can be used to assess the effects of changes in John H. Kerr operations on Roanoke River flows; duration, extent, depth, and timing of floodplain inundation; DO levels in the river; and intrusion of brackish water from Albemarle Sound upstream into the river.
Approach:
This objective will be met by performing the following tasks:
(1) review existing data and develop a hydrologic and water-quality monitoring plan to support modeling;
(2) review existing modeling frameworks for the Roanoke River;
(3) implement the hydrologic and water-quality monitoring program;
(4) develop, calibrate, and test a hydrodynamic model that is capable of simulating upstream and downstream movement of water, as well as the storage and release of water from the floodplains;
(5) develop, calibrate, and test an unsteady water-quality model that simulates DO dynamics in the main channel and the floodplain and accounts for the effects of brackish water intrusion from Albemarle Sound on flow and DO processes; and
(6) apply these models to determine effects of selected water management scenarios on downstream flows, floodplain inundation, and DO.
USGS Real-Time streamflow data for the Lower Roanoke River
02080500 ROANOKE RIVER AT ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC
0208062765 ROANOKE RIVER AT HALIFAX, NC
02081000 ROANOKE RIVER NEAR SCOTLAND NECK, NC
02081022 ROANOKE RIVER NEAR OAK CITY, NC
02081028 ROANOKE RIVER AT HAMILTON, NC
02081054 ROANOKE RIVER AT WILLIAMSTON, NC
02081094 ROANOKE RIVER AT JAMESVILLE, NC
0208111310 CASHIE RIVER AT SR1257 NEAR WINDSOR, NC
0208114150 ROANOKE RIVER AT NC 45 NR WESTOVER, NC
John H Kerr Dam & Reservoir: Environmental Restoration
John H Kerr Dam & Reservoir: Stakeholder Update Presentation
John H. Kerr - Roanoke River Basin: US Army Corps of Engineers website
Effects of flood control and other reservoir operations on the water quality of the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina
Relation between flows and dissolved oxygen in the Roanoke River between Roanoke Rapids Dam and Jamesville, North Carolina, 2005-2009
Bank erosion, mass wasting, water clarity, bathymetry and a sediment budget along the dam-regulated Lower Roanoke River, North Carolina
Detailed Sections from Auger Holes in the Roanoke Rapids 1:100,000 Map Sheet, North Carolina
Relations among floodplain water levels, instream dissolved-oxygen conditions, and streamflow in the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina, 1997-2001
Water and Streambed Sediment Quality, and Ecotoxicology of a Stream along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Adjacent to a Closed Landfill, near Roanoke, Virginia: 1999
Investigation of dioxin concentrations in the lower Roanoke River basin, North Carolina, February 26-March 7, 2001
The texture of surficial sediments in southeastern Long Island Sound off Roanoke Point, New York
Low-flow characteristics and profiles for selected streams in the Roanoke River basin, North Carolina
Simulation of unsteady flow in the Roanoke River from near Oak City to Williamston, North Carolina
An interim report on flows in the lower Roanoke River, and water quality and hydrodynamics of Albermarle Sound, North Carolina, October 1989-April 1991
Depositional environment of the Fincastle Conglomerate near Roanoke, Virginia
- Overview
The relations among river flow, floodplain water level, and instream dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations are important but poorly understood for the Roanoke River. Flooding and floodplain inundation no longer follow a natural seasonal pattern of flooding in the winter and occasionally in the fall, and lower flows throughout the remainder of the year, but are primarily governed by upstream reservoir releases. The objective of this study was to provide the flow and water-quality modeling tools that can be used to assess the effects of changes in John H. Kerr operations on Roanoke River flows; duration, extent, depth, and timing of floodplain inundation; DO levels in the river; and intrusion of brackish water from Albemarle Sound upstream into the river.
Background:
Map of USGS and National Weather Service data-collection sites in the Roanoke River basin, downstream from Roanoke Rapids dam(Public domain.) The relations among river flow, floodplain water level, and instream dissolved-oxygen (DO) concentrations are important but poorly understood for the Roanoke River. Flooding and floodplain inundation no longer follow a natural seasonal pattern of flooding in the winter and occasionally in the fall, and lower flows throughout the remainder of the year, but are primarily governed by upstream reservoir releases. The timing, duration, and extent of floodplain inundation can have either positive or negative effects on the ecosystem in the lower Roanoke River corridor, depending on the inundation characteristics. Timing, depth, and duration of floodplain inundation affects habitat use and reproductive success of wildlife and regeneration of bottomland hardwood trees.
During the relicensing process for the Roanoke Rapids and Gaston hydropower projects, studies identified potential opportunities to restore various Roanoke River habitats and mitigate effects of reservoir operations. Because operations of the John H. Kerr project primarily control overall flows in the Roanoke River, there may be a need to consider modifications in the operating rules of the project. Modeling tools, developed from extensive and credible site-specific data, are needed in order to assess effects of possible changes in Kerr operations on downstream flows, floodplain habitat, and water quality.
Objectives:
The objective of this study was to provide the flow and water-quality modeling tools that can be used to assess the effects of changes in John H. Kerr operations on Roanoke River flows; duration, extent, depth, and timing of floodplain inundation; DO levels in the river; and intrusion of brackish water from Albemarle Sound upstream into the river.
Approach:
This objective will be met by performing the following tasks:
(1) review existing data and develop a hydrologic and water-quality monitoring plan to support modeling;
(2) review existing modeling frameworks for the Roanoke River;
(3) implement the hydrologic and water-quality monitoring program;
(4) develop, calibrate, and test a hydrodynamic model that is capable of simulating upstream and downstream movement of water, as well as the storage and release of water from the floodplains;
(5) develop, calibrate, and test an unsteady water-quality model that simulates DO dynamics in the main channel and the floodplain and accounts for the effects of brackish water intrusion from Albemarle Sound on flow and DO processes; and
(6) apply these models to determine effects of selected water management scenarios on downstream flows, floodplain inundation, and DO.
USGS Real-Time streamflow data for the Lower Roanoke River
02080500 ROANOKE RIVER AT ROANOKE RAPIDS, NC
0208062765 ROANOKE RIVER AT HALIFAX, NC
02081000 ROANOKE RIVER NEAR SCOTLAND NECK, NC
02081022 ROANOKE RIVER NEAR OAK CITY, NC
02081028 ROANOKE RIVER AT HAMILTON, NC
02081054 ROANOKE RIVER AT WILLIAMSTON, NC
02081094 ROANOKE RIVER AT JAMESVILLE, NC
0208111310 CASHIE RIVER AT SR1257 NEAR WINDSOR, NC
0208114150 ROANOKE RIVER AT NC 45 NR WESTOVER, NC - Publications
John H Kerr Dam & Reservoir: Environmental Restoration
John H Kerr Dam & Reservoir: Stakeholder Update Presentation
John H. Kerr - Roanoke River Basin: US Army Corps of Engineers website
Filter Total Items: 15Effects of flood control and other reservoir operations on the water quality of the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina
The Roanoke River is an important natural resource for North Carolina, Virginia, and the Nation. Flood plains of the lower Roanoke River, which extend from Roanoke Rapids Dam to Batchelor Bay near Albemarle Sound, support a large and diverse population of nesting birds, waterfowl, freshwater and anadromous fish, and other wildlife, including threatened and endangered species. The flow regime of thAuthorsAna Maria GarciaRelation between flows and dissolved oxygen in the Roanoke River between Roanoke Rapids Dam and Jamesville, North Carolina, 2005-2009
The relation between dam releases and dissolved-oxygen concentration, saturation and deficit, downstream from Roanoke Rapids Dam in North Carolina was evaluated from 2005 to 2009. Dissolved-oxygen data collected at four water-quality monitoring stations downstream from Roanoke Rapids Dam were used to determine if any statistical relations or discernible quantitative or qualitative patterns linkedAuthorsLoren L. Wehmeyer, Chad R. WagnerBank erosion, mass wasting, water clarity, bathymetry and a sediment budget along the dam-regulated Lower Roanoke River, North Carolina
Dam construction and its impact on downstream fluvial processes may substantially alter ambient bank stability, floodplain inundation patterns, and channel morphology. Most of the world's largest rivers have been dammed, which has prompted management efforts to mitigate dam effects. Three high dams (completed between 1953 and 1963) occur along the Piedmont portion of the Roanoke River, North CarolAuthorsEdward R. Schenk, Cliff R. Hupp, Jean M. Richter, Daniel E. KroesDetailed Sections from Auger Holes in the Roanoke Rapids 1:100,000 Map Sheet, North Carolina
Introduction The Roanoke Rapids 1:100,000 map sheet straddles the Coastal Plain / Piedmont boundary in northernmost North Carolina (Figure 1). Sediments of the Coastal Plain underlie the eastern three-fourths of this area, and patchy outliers of Coastal Plain units cap many of the higher hills in the western one-fourth of the area. Sediments dip gently to the east and reach a maximum known thicAuthorsRobert E. Weems, William C. LewisRelations among floodplain water levels, instream dissolved-oxygen conditions, and streamflow in the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina, 1997-2001
The lower Roanoke River corridor in North Carolina contains a floodplain of national significance. Data from a network of 1 streamflow-measurement site, 13 river-stage sites, 13 floodplain water-level sites located along 4 transects, and 5 in situ water-quality monitoring sites were used to characterize temporal and spatial variations of floodplain and river water levels during 1997-2000 and to deAuthorsJerad D. Bales, Douglas A. WaltersWater and Streambed Sediment Quality, and Ecotoxicology of a Stream along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Adjacent to a Closed Landfill, near Roanoke, Virginia: 1999
A study was done of the effects of a closed landfill on the quality of water and streambed sediment and the benthic macroinvertebrate community of an unnamed stream and its tributary that flow through Blue Ridge Parkway lands in west-central Virginia. The primary water source for the tributary is a 4-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe that protrudes from the slope at the base of the embankment borAuthorsDonna Belval Ebner, Donald S. Cherry, Rebecca J. CurrieInvestigation of dioxin concentrations in the lower Roanoke River basin, North Carolina, February 26-March 7, 2001
Dioxin is a toxic chemical that, when present in the environment, can cause cancer and birth defects in humans. Dioxin is of particular concern because concentrations of dioxin that were released into the environment many years ago remain a contributing factor to current exposure. Dioxin exposure often occurs in surface-water systems downstream from contaminated sites and is detrimental to aquaticAuthorsK. F. Miller, D. A. WaltersThe texture of surficial sediments in southeastern Long Island Sound off Roanoke Point, New York
No abstract available.AuthorsL. J. Poppe, B.B. Taylor, Dann Blackwood, R. S. Lewis, M. L. DiGiacomo-CohenLow-flow characteristics and profiles for selected streams in the Roanoke River basin, North Carolina
An understanding of the magnitude and frequency of low-flow discharges is an important part of protecting surface-water resources and planning for municipal and industrial economic expansion. Low-flow characteristics are summarized for 22 continuous-record gaging stations in North Carolina (19 sites) and Virginia (3 sites) and 60 partial-record gaging stations in the North Carolina Roanoke River BAuthorsJ. Curtis WeaverSimulation of unsteady flow in the Roanoke River from near Oak City to Williamston, North Carolina
A one-dimensional, unsteady-flow model was calibrated, validated, and applied to a 30.4-mile reach of the Roanoke River between State Highway 42-11 bridge near Oak City (river mile 67.0) and the U.S. Highway 17-13 bridge at Williamston (river mile 36.6) North Carolina. The model was calibrated and validated for flows ranging from about 2,000 to 12,000 cubic feet per second. The model was used to cAuthorsA.G. Strickland, Jerad D. BalesAn interim report on flows in the lower Roanoke River, and water quality and hydrodynamics of Albermarle Sound, North Carolina, October 1989-April 1991
In 1990, a 3-year investigation was begun in North Carolina to: (1) develop a model for computing flows in the lower 67 mi of the Roanoke River; (2) characterize water-quality conditions in Albemarle Sound; and (3) describe the circulation regime of Albemarle Sound, particularly in relation to inflows. This report summarizes data and results obtained during the first year of the study. The water lAuthorsJ. D. Bales, A.G. Strickland, R. G. GarrettDepositional environment of the Fincastle Conglomerate near Roanoke, Virginia
No abstract available.AuthorsChrysa M. Cullather