In the summer of 2011 the culvert at the Davis Creek Road (FSR 420) crossing of Tipton Creek was
removed and replaced with a concrete arch, stream simulation crossing for the purpose of passing
aquatic organisms, where the existing culvert was known to be a barrier to aquatic passage due to
velocity and outlet drop. The crossing was sized using the 100-year flow calculation derived from the
USGS Regression Equation for the mountains of North Carolina. Additionally, the width of the crossing
was designed to accommodate a bankfull flow channel dimension plus a small area of floodplain. The
channel was reconstructed through the crossing using the dimension, pattern, and profile of the
reference reach upstream. The new channel was constructed using imported boulders and onsite alluvial
materials. Grass seed was sown, and trees and shrubs were planted, both potted and live-stakes. Over
the last year since construction, the site has experienced several small flood events. The site remains
stable, passable to all aquatic species, and looks more and more natural every year as planted and
natural vegetation establishes.
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