Hydrology, hydraulics and sediment transport, Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers

The hydrology, sediment transport, and hydraulics of flow were investigated for the Kankakee and Iroquois Rivers in Illinois and Indiana. The hydrologic analysis of flood and low flows showed that the Kankakee River near Wilmington, which reflects the combined flows from the Iroquois and the upper Kankakee Rivers, is strongly influenced by the Kankakee River during low flows. The presence of wetlands and the sandy soils in the upper Kankakee River were identified as among the major reasons for such influences.The sediment transport characteristics of the Kankakee and Iroquois were investigated based on three years of suspended sediment data at four gaging stations. Sediment transport curves and relationships between annual sediment load and water discharge were developed. Transport of sediment during storm events was analyzed by developing cumulative sediment transport curves. Impacts of channel clearing and snagging were investigated by using two computer programs to calculate water surface profiles and to route floods on the Iroquois River. Flow resistance on the main stem of the Kankakee River was also analyzed.