DOWNSTREAM CHANNEL GEOMETRY FOR USE IN PLANNING‐LEVEL MODELS1

There is considerable potential for use of channel dimension data in planning‐level models for resource and impact assessment. The channel dimension data is used to route flows and sediment through the basin. The cost of obtaining actual surveyed data for large watersheds is typically prohibitive. Predictive equations have been developed based on 674 stations from watersheds across the United States which encompass a wide variety of channel types and sizes. These equations were tested against an independent data set and found to be adequate for use in planning‐level models. Future research is advocated which would include data from regions and stream types not included in this study.