Evaluation and Monitoring of the Hydrologic Impact of Cabin Creek, B. C. Coal Pit Mining on the North Fork of the Flathead River

摘要

The North Fork of the Flathead River forms the northwestern boundary of Glacier National Park in Montana and originates in the province of British Columbia. Sage Creek Coal Ltd. plans to develop metallurgical grade coal deposits contained in two large hills, one on either side of Cabin Creek, a tributary of the North Fork located 8 miles north of the Canadian border. The climate of the area, steepness of terrain, composition of overburden, and contour-strip style of mining, indicate a high potential for erosion and sediment production. Introduction of coarse bed-material sediment into the North Fork as the result of mining could alter downstream channel processes and the shape of the channel. The fluvial geomorphology of the channel extending from the Canadian border to the Middle Fork Flathead River was mapped and classified at 1:24,000 scale. The analysis shows that the North Fork is similar to other gravel bed rivers and provides a basis for estimating the effect of increased sediment loads on channel morphology.