Streams Need 

 Room To Move 



Meandering stream 

 channels naturally 

 migrate over time — 

 and you need to 

 allow plenty of room 

 for this migration. 

 Avoid building near a 

 stream, and always 

 consider the flood- 

 plain to he part of the 

 stream. Don't build 

 there! 



2 



Straight Stretch 



In a straight stretch, the energy 

 focuses in the center of the 

 channel. The water flowing along 

 the banks is slower and has much 

 less energy. 



3 



At The Bend 



As a stream makes a turn, the 

 energy core moves to the outside 

 bank. This shift increases stress on 

 the bank. Slight erosion at this site 

 is normal. Healthy vegetation will 

 protect the bank from severe 

 erosion under most conditions. 

 (See page 6.) 



Consider the affect of this shifting 

 energy as you read about a stream's 

 "personality" (pages 8-9) and the 

 different types of streams in 

 Montana (pages 14-17). 



13 



