Culvert Upgrades: Let the Rivers Flow

Undersized and degraded culverts typically create disruptions to the natural movement of aquatic organisms, stream flow and sediment transport, and often pose risks to adjacent infrastructure. Replacements are typically designed to:

1) Reconnect fragmented aquatic habitats to allow for unimpeded movement of aquatic organisms.

2) Match channel bankfull dimensions to accommodate natural flow and sediment transport patterns.

3) Reduce flood risk and potential damage to infrastructure.

Base Flow often refers to the USFS Stream Simulation Methodology (2008) for road-stream crossing designs and has applied the methodology in urban, rural and forested settings.