Navigability Potential of Washington Rivers
Navigability Potential of Washington Rivers
Using spatial data to create a preliminary statewide map of navigability potential
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a method to map the navigability potential of Washington rivers using physical characteristics of river channels. The work supported efforts by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to determine which rivers are navigable and fall under state ownership. According to the Washington State Constitution (Article XVII, Section 1), the state claims ownership of the beds and shores of all navigable waters, including certain rivers and lakes.
Objectives
The goals of this study were to:
- Create a method to estimate physical river channel characteristics related to navigability based on available statewide data.
- Apply this method to develop a statewide navigability potential map.
Approach
- Assemble spatial data.
- Collect channel-geometry data.
- Relate channel geometry to spatial data.
- Assess navigability potential and generate maps.
Outcomes
The methodology serves as a valuable tool for predicting channel depth, top width, and bottom width for rivers and streams throughout Washington State. Physical information about streams lays the groundwork for understanding navigability; however, this methodology does not determine navigability, a legal concept determined by federal common law.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Navigability potential of Washington rivers and streams determined with hydraulic geometry and a geographic information system Navigability potential of Washington rivers and streams determined with hydraulic geometry and a geographic information system
Below are partners associated with this project.
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) developed a method to map the navigability potential of Washington rivers using physical characteristics of river channels. The work supported efforts by the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to determine which rivers are navigable and fall under state ownership. According to the Washington State Constitution (Article XVII, Section 1), the state claims ownership of the beds and shores of all navigable waters, including certain rivers and lakes.
Objectives
The goals of this study were to:
- Create a method to estimate physical river channel characteristics related to navigability based on available statewide data.
- Apply this method to develop a statewide navigability potential map.
Approach
- Assemble spatial data.
- Collect channel-geometry data.
- Relate channel geometry to spatial data.
- Assess navigability potential and generate maps.
Outcomes
The methodology serves as a valuable tool for predicting channel depth, top width, and bottom width for rivers and streams throughout Washington State. Physical information about streams lays the groundwork for understanding navigability; however, this methodology does not determine navigability, a legal concept determined by federal common law.
Below are publications associated with this project.
Navigability potential of Washington rivers and streams determined with hydraulic geometry and a geographic information system Navigability potential of Washington rivers and streams determined with hydraulic geometry and a geographic information system
Below are partners associated with this project.