Impact of flood in Grand Canyon has mixed results
National Park Service (NPS) employee Bill Dabney leads a pack of mules loaded with tools and supplies on June 9, 2009 into in Grand Canyon, Arizona.
Photographer: John Moore
Copyright Getty Images
Posted: 01/25/2013
-
By: Associated Press
PAGE, AZ - Scientists studying the effects of a manmade flood through the Colorado River last fall say it created sandbars as intended.
But the U.S. Geological Survey says the real test of success will be in whether those sandbars can be sustained over longer periods of time.
Research hydrologist Paul Grams says of the 33 sandbars monitored by camera, 18 had substantial gains, 12 had no significant change and three decreased in size. Scientists will do on-site assessments of the flood impacts later this year.
The heavy rush of water from Glen Canyon Dam in November was part of a government program to restore the Grand Canyon's ecosystem.
Previous experiments in 1996, 2004 and 2008 were one-time fact-finding missions instead of fundamental shifts in river management.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
PRINT- Your Region News
Click on the region names in the map below to see news from that region.
RIGHT NOW: Top Stories
-
Services set for fallen Phoenix officer
Officer Daryl Raetz died after he was struck by a vehicle during a DUI traffic stop early Sunday morning.
-
Garage thieves targeting Valley homes
A “safety alert” is being distributed to homes in around Gilbert after a couple of people were seen possibly casing homes for burglaries.
-
VIDEO: New trailer for Arias movie
Here's a FIRST look at the movie trailer based on the life of notorious Valley murderer Jodi Arias.
-
FORECAST: Great holiday weather!
Cooler air is moving in soon. Find out how far temperatures will drop by Memorial Day.
-
Judge: Arpaio's office profiles Latinos
A federal judge has ruled that the office of America's self-proclaimed toughest sheriff systematically racially profiled Latinos in its trademark immigration patrols.
-
Need a ride? Beware of rental car ripoff
Consumers are speaking out after being charged by a rental car company for extra insurance coverage they say they did not want.
