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84-11 Geomorphic and Hydrologic Controls on Localized Meander Migration Along the Rio Grande in Colorado's San Luis Valley

Session: Riverscapes in transition: Advances in fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, deposition, river health, and urban rivers (Part II)

Presenting Author:

Nicholas Pieper

Authors:

Pieper, Nicholas¹, Carr, Hayden², Pacheco, Augustine³, Atencio, Tytus⁴, Lahiri, Chayan⁵r> (1) Biology, Adams State Universtiy, Alamosa, Colorado, USA, (2) Biology, Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado, USA, (3) Biology, Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado, USA, (4) Biology, Adams State University, Alamosa, Colorado, USA, (5) Adams State University, Alamosa, CO, ,

Abstract:

Understanding why some meander bends migrate while adjacent bends remain relatively stable is important for improving our understanding of river evolution and identifying reaches that may be more susceptible to future channel adjustment. This study focuses on an approximately 10-km reach of the Rio Grande within the Rio Grande State Wildlife Area in Colorado's San Luis Valley. This relatively undisturbed reach provides an opportunity to investigate meander migration under conditions with limited direct human influence. Historical aerial imagery indicates that one meander bend has undergone measurable migration over recent decades, whereas adjacent bends have remained comparatively stable. This study investigates the geomorphic and hydrologic factors associated with this contrasting behavior.

The objectives of this study are to quantify the magnitude and rate of meander migration using historical aerial imagery and to evaluate characteristics associated with the observed channel adjustment. Analyses will incorporate historical aerial imagery, LiDAR-derived topography, and long-term streamflow records to examine floodplain relief, slope, geometry, abandoned channels, and discharge variability. Bank sediment characteristics, subsurface geology, and bank strength are recognized as potentially important controls but are beyond the scope of the present study and represent opportunities for future field investigations.

By comparing the migrating bend with adjacent stable reaches, this study seeks to identify measurable geomorphic and hydrologic characteristics associated with localized meander migration. The results are expected to improve our understanding of channel evolution in relatively undisturbed alluvial rivers and may provide a framework for identifying river reaches with greater susceptibility to future channel adjustment, thereby supporting river management, restoration planning, and assessments of channel stability in similar fluvial systems.

Geomorphic and Hydrologic Controls on Localized Meander Migration Along the Rio Grande in Colorado's San Luis Valley

Description

Session Format: Oral

Presentation Date: 10/11/2026

Presentation Start Time: 04:10 PM

Presentation Room: CCC, 108

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