Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska     Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Riparian   Map Component: RC   Seward Area Extent: 1 wetland polygon; 8.9 acres

The only stream mapped as RC in the Seward area, not far above its confluence with Sawmill Creek.  Note the small point bar on the right.

Wetland Indicators Type: Stream Depth to water table: not measured Organic layer thickness: not measured Average depth to redoximorphic features: not measured Common Soils: Typic Cryofluvents Common Plant communities: Sitka spruce / Sitka alder (Picea sitchensis / Alnus viridis ssp. sinuata) Mountain hemlock / early blueberry (Tsuga mertensiana / Vaccinium ovalifolium)   NWI: Stream: R2US1.  Adjacent valley wetlands: PSS1/FO1&3Jn HGM: Stream: Middle Gradient Natural Stream-single thread.  Adjacent valley wetlands: Lotic Flat/Slope groundwater-dominated Throughflow/Bidirectional-nontidal.

The single stream mapped as RC drains an unnamed glacier south of the Bear Lake Glacier.  It flows through a spring fen complex before emptying into Sawmill Creek.  RC streams have cut banks and point bars, with well-developed floodplains.

Floodplain regulation

From The Kenai Borough website:

"The Kenai Peninsula Borough manages a Floodplain Ordinance that addresses proper development to reduce flood risks and lessen the economic losses caused by flood events. The ordinance provides building standards for construction projects within the floodplain to ensure the availability of flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. These building requirements also are intended to minimize or prevent damage when flood events occur. The ordinance requires floodplain development permits for all projects in floodplains."