Constructing historical stream flow from stream morphology in the Duck Mountain and Cypress Hills regions of the Canadian prairies

This study analyzes both flow records and morphological data to reconstruct natural flows for the Cypress Hills and Duck Mountain regions. Because of their geology and evolution, these two upland regions are crucial to the hydrologic balance of their surrounding areas. Eight streams in Duck Mountain and three streams in the Cypress Hills were analyzed; a total of 53 reference sites were established. Where possible flow records were used to augment the morphological analysis in order to improve accuracy of extreme flow estimates. For each stream, reference sites were established where channel width, depth, velocity and mean bed material size was measured. At reference site cross-sections Manning's equation was used to determine bankfull flow and scour discharge. These sites were geodetically referenced to promote future monitoring for change detection purposes.; The study resulted in a series of predicted peak flows and frequencies for gauged and ungauged streams in both regions. The results provide valuable information on the regional hydrology of both study areas. The proposed long-term monitoring program and further studies would help assess affects from increased human and climatic influences in these two regions.