The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Kansas Water Office, is proposing to characterize sediment transport and deposition in Kansas impoundments. This proposed study is designed to meet objectives stated in the State of Kansas sediment management strategy outline developed by the Kansas Water Office. This proposed study will measure sediment transport into and through Kanopolis and Tuttle Creek Reservoirs from October 2008 through September 2011. Hourly (or more frequent) suspended-sediment concentrations and loads will be measured using time-series turbidity measurements at inflow tributaries to each reservoir. Additional suspended-sediment samples will be collected at the outflow sites of monitored impoundments. Measurement of sediment loading and trap efficiency of impoundments with continuous monitoring techniques will provide information on sedimentation rates during hydrologic events of varying magnitudes. Comparison of sediment loads between sites will describe physical and land-use characteristics affecting suspended-sediment transport to monitored streams. Collection of suspended-sediment samples during high-streamflow (and presumably high-sediment transport) events throughout the state will be used to (1) refine existing streamflow/sediment load relations, (2) provide data for future assessment of sediment trends, and (3) characterize sediment loading to federal impoundments during the largest sediment-loading periods. Assessment of historical changes in stream-channel geometry will be used to assess stability at specific stream locations up- and downstream of monitored impoundments. This study will increase the understanding of sediment transport in watersheds throughout Kansas and estimate the capacity of federal impoundments to support designated uses now and into the future. State officials will be able to compare the estimated effectiveness of best management practices and dredging relative to measured sedimentation rates.
