Comments:
Updated 2007 relying on 2002-2003 Ph2 data and limited 2007 observations/ measurements. Surficial geologic report (Donahue et al, 2004) notes Quaternary alluvial fan coincident with reach location. Reach positioned at marked reduction in valley slope below the Middlebury gorge. Residential, commercial development present in RB corridor, and in LB corridor near Grist Mill bridge as early as 1871 (Beers Atlas). Historic diversion of water from the river just downstream of the bridge to RB sluiceway and storage pond at Sash Factory (sluiceway channel still present) (1871). Second small diversion to a mill site along RB upstream of the bridge (1871). Also, historic LB diversion to pond, grist mill and stave factory just upstream of Grist Mill bridge (1871). Similar planform is depicted for this reach on historic aerial photos from 1942, 1962, 1974, and 1995. Many flood chutes and berms apparent within floodplain surrounding channel. In the past, flood chutes have been active at high flows. In 1927 and 1938 floods, historic photos depict river flows down Route 125 (exact point(s) of avulsion are not known) - Lower Plains Rd bridge was constructed (replaced) in 1927. Rt 125 encroaches somewhat at mid-section of reach (RB), but does not result in change in confinement status. Berms along LB and RB locally reduce floodplain widths. Grist Mill Rd bridge replaced in 2002-2003; former position was just downstream of current bridge. Channelization, dredging, windrowing reported in Midd Town Report c1947, 1948; gravel extracted from the river during dredging was utilized for base material along Ossie Road. Moderate degree of incision is inferred to be historic - related to repeated channelization, dredging, in-reach and downstream. Bedrock grade controls are present in upstream reach (M08). Pebble count is visual estimate from 2002.