Physical processes in the lower reaches of the Kenai River, Alaska

This project intended to provide an engineering reconnaissance level model for predicting sediment transport rates with changing water levels in the tidally influenced lower reaches of the Kenai River.; Glacial-dammed lake releases were explored in conjunction with river currents. Water level data from a measurement station at the Pillar's State Park Recreation Site 20 km upstream of the mouth were used to investigate the tidal wave propagation up stream.; Existing one-dimensional software was explored for modeling of water level variations and flow velocity calculations. The river slope in conjunction with the high tidal range of the Kenai River turned out to be incompatible parameters because of fundamental limitations of general-purpose estuary and river flow models. Hence, manual computations were conducted to investigate sediment processes.; Sediment and water samples were collected and analyzed and a comparison with data collected by other agencies was attempted.; This study presents a compilation of the various processes that influence the sediment budget of the highly tidally influenced lower reaches of the Kenai River and hopefully provides a baseline survey for engineering projects in the future. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...