Wetland Classification and Mapping of Seward, Alaska     Map Unit Descriptions   Ecosystem: Riparian   Map Component: RD3C   Seward Area Extent: 2 wetland polygons; 114.9 acres

Fourth of July Creek, a braided stream with a cobble-dominated bed.

Wetland Indicators Type: Stream channel, a water of the US, but not a wetland. Average 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: bare gravel and cobbles, and flowing water   NWI: R3UBH HGM: Middle Gradient natural river (or stream)-multiple thread (braided)

Fourth of July Creek, Godwin Creek, and a small area at the valley mouth of a tributary to Fourth of July Creek, are the only areas mapped as RD3C.  These are glacier-fed braided stream channels with cobble-dominated beds.  These are high energy, moderately steep streams that carry large sediment loads during floods.  Godwin Creek transported boulders 8 feet in diameter, and deposited them on the Fourth of July Creek alluvial fan during the 1986 flood (Jones and Zenone, 1988).

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."