Urban Stream Framework Tools

Urban Stream Assessment Procedure

MHFD created the Urban Stream Assessment Procedure (USAP) to assess the physical condition and community values of urban streams. USAP’s emphasizes assessing the physical condition of streams (i.e., creeks, gulches, drainages) and the South Platte River in the Denver metropolitan area.

Confluence

MHFD Confluence is a new web application from the Mile High Flood District. It combines GIS Mapping, Project Creation, Budgeting, Project Management, Master Plans, Stream Assessments, and more into a single interface.

Watershed Explorer

The Watershed Explorer is an upcoming module of MHFD Confluence that will provide curated access to many urban stream planning and management tools in one location.

In Development

GIS-Based Planning Deliverables

As part of expanding Confluence functionality, MHFD is developing standards for GIS-based deliverables such as assessment data and hydrology and hydrologic models. The deliverables include Problems and Proposed Actions that will be mapped in Confluence.

In Development

5 Elements

MHFD determined a series of five core elements at play in the urban setting to assess: community values, hydrology, hydraulics, geomorphology, and vegetation. These core elements provide insights into the processes occurring along the stream, and the stressors and social aspects influencing the physical condition of the stream.

Problems and Proposed Actions

Problems are derived during the planning process and include examples such as undersized culverts, eroding banks, failing drop structures, and increased runoff volume. Proposed Actions address the problems identified during planning. Proposed Actions are the building blocks for Improvement Projects in the Work Request module of Confluence. It may take more than one Proposed Action to fully address a Problem.

In Development

Stream Typology

Typological naming (i.reach types) has implications for the meaning that is conveyed, and the geomorphic interpretations that result in specific management actions. In the case of urban streams, defining typologies is useful for informing watershed-scale studies of urban environments that are influenced by community values.

In Development