Culvert Streambed Designs In Alaska

Embedded culverts used to increase fish passage and stream function have become more common across Alaska over the past decade. This talk discusses design approaches for these pipes, highlighting what has worked and lessons learned in various environments. The experiences and observations from over 70 culvert installations and hundreds of barrier assessments across the state serve as the basis for design discussion. Streambeds in culverts are especially highlighted, including the use of pools and riffles, backwater habitat, step pools and instream structures. Regional and local scales are used to highlight types of designs that may work better in one environment or stream type than others.