Uncertainties associated with restoring natural alignment to previously straightened streams

Three models are currently used by the Maryland State Highway Administration for designing meanders on stream restoration projects. The first model is based on the relationship of bankfull channel width and meander wave length, the second is based on the relationship between bankfull channel width and the meander belt width and the third is based on the relationship between bankfull channel width and meander radius of curvature. In this study, watershed and meander characteristics from 24 Maryland streams were collected using both state topographic maps and field investigations. These data were then used to verify, the accuracy and quantify the uncertainties inherent in each of the three models. The determination of regression and physical parameter as well as model uncertainty will aid in a more reliable restoration of natural meander plan form to previously straightened streams.