Investigation of the transient response of Gower Gulch to forced diversion, Death Valley, California

I document sequential stages of the evolution of Gower Gulch in response to a forced diversion in 1941, using aerial photographs and field surveys. This artificial stream capture provides a rare opportunity to evaluate initial channel conditions and the ongoing response of the system. Five sets of aerial photographs have been orthorectified or registered for thorough geomorphic analysis. Channel narrowing and incision characterize the steep segments of the knickzones, with upstream knickpoint migration by pothole abrasion. Widening has occurred by an average of 35 meters and 10 meters in the alluvial fan and main channel segments respectively. Bedrock incision has occurred in reaches where local gradient is greater than the surrounding alluvial reaches. Above the diversion, Furnace Creek Wash has narrowed by approximately 12 meters.