ABSTRACT: Hydraulics, sediment transport and channel adjustment during a large storm event: assessment and restoration of the Bendale Branch of West Highland Creek at Ellesmere Road in Toronto after the 2005 August 19th storm.

CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Abstract

The August 19th, 2005 storm was the largest flood event in the watersheds of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) since Hurricane Hazel. There was substantial channel adjustment and impacts to adjacent infrastructure within many watersheds of the TRCA and the Greater Toronto Area. Along the Bendale Branch of West Highland Creek immediately below Ellesmere Road (Birkdale Ravine), the channel adjusted rapidly during the storm event eroding over 9 m of table land, comprising an area of 52 m2, and compromising the engineered bank protection. As the impact of the storm resulted in a hazard to private property and to public safety, restoration work was promptly undertaken. As part of the channel design, a background assessment was completed, which included collection of observations of the storm event. At this site, local residents photographed and collected video footage of the storm event. Measurements of geomorphic characteristics and surficial sediments were collected immediately after flows receded. These observations along with the video and photographic record provide an opportunity to dissect the storm hydraulics and the sequence of channel adjustments. Observations from the event and post-storm conditions are presented in the context of the pre-event geomorphology and modelled hydraulics. This information was instrumental in developing a restoration design for this section of creek. The final restoration design set in the context of the storm event is also presented.

Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology