Author(s): Louis A. Toth
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Abstract: Prior to channelization the_Kissimmee River consisted of about 103 miles ofmeandering channel,which flowed within a 1-2 mile wide floodplain in centralFlorida,U.S.A..As a result of channelization,former river flow is nowdirected through a 56 mile long canal(C-38)that has an average depth of 30feet and surface width of 210-345 feet(U.S.Army Corps of Engineers 1985).Although the canal and spoil destroyed many miles of former river course,remnant sections of the original river remain on either side of the canai.Fivewater control structures with tieback levees are located along the canal'slength.These structures act as dams and replaced the natural slope of theriver with stair-step impoundments or pools.Each pool has constantlymaintained water levels,with permanently inundated marsh at the lower end anddrained floodplain at the upper end.
Year: 1989