^^l RiV. IT. StR fa Mti 



■ Unhealthy Stream Types 



Common in Montana 



Some Indicators of Unstable Stream Channels 



channel widening 



unvegetated, eroding stream banks 



channel downcutting 



increased silt/clay on channel bottom 



inability to overflow banks during spring 



increase or decrease in water supply 



increase or decrease in sediment supply 



ream 



■ss than 2% • erodes laterally 



shifting channels • wide, shallow 



y sediment load • little aquatic habitat 



Some braided streams occur naturally, such as in a glacial 

 headwater environment, but they most often result from human 

 activities that contribute excessive sediment to the stream. 



