SCA Survey --Major Problems identified in Northwest Branch--

Northwest Branch watershed - 15
We encourage citizens to visit the sites in person in order to see the damage firsthand. Because the stream changes constantly, it may have features differing from pictures shown on this website.
Mouse over the numbers in the map below, then click it to enlarge the picture.

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230104 (Fish Barrier) (N39.08555, W77.0534667)

Site #	Date	Blockage	Type	Reason	Drop(In)	Depth(In)
230104	5/27/2005	total	dam	too high	16

This is a check dam but is also a fish barrier. This does not allow resident fish to go upstream and it narrows their habitat. The significance of this dam as a fish barrier is NOT serious because this is a 2nd order stream. But, there are other several dams like this. A check dam is installed to usually decrease the streamflow velocity, decrease channel erosion, and promote deposition of sediment. However, it also brings negative impacts.

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231101 (Erosion Site ) (N39.0915833, W77.0525167)

Site#	Date	Type	Possible Cause	Length(ft)	Height(ft)
231101	5/27/2005	widening	land use change	160	5

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231102 (Erosion Site ) (N39.0917167, W77.0525)

Site#	Date	Type	Possible Cause	Length(ft)	Height(ft)
231102	5/27/2005	widening	land use change	>80	5

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231103 (Erosion Site ) (N39.0925667, W77.0528833)

Site#	Date	Type	Possible Cause	Length(ft)	Height(ft)
231103	5/27/2005	widening	land use change	120	5

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231105 (Fish Barrier) (N, W)

Site #	Date	Blockage	Type	Reason	Drop(In)	Depth(In)
231105	5/27/2005	total	road crossing	too fast flow	-	-

The road is a fish barrier for resident fish. This barrier is NOT serious as a fish barrier because, again, this stream is the 2nd order stream. Limited upstream portion is segmented. It is difficult to see but small pipes are lined under the road as a water path.

Beyond this fence, the Bel Pre Creek flows in a golf course. The road is for golf carts.

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Special thanks to Clair Garman of the Friends of Sligo Creek for his help in editing this page. He is also a member of the Neighbors of Northwest Branch.