An analysis of sedimentation in John H. Kerr Reservoir

The report herein consists of a two phase study of sedimentation in John H. Kerr Reservoir. First is a comparison of suspended sediment data, which was collected by a VPI&SU team, to theoretical sedimentation patterns. A fairly good agreement was found. The field monitoring trips were performed a total of ten times between March 30,1981 and March 3, 1982. The VPI&SUdata is presented in graphical form, in terms of the suspended sediment distribution in evidence each research trip, as well as the patterns that were evident at each station during the period of monitoring.

The second phase compares historical sediment inflow data provided by the U.S.G.S. to three Kerr Reservoir sedimentation studies performed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The. period involved is from Jan. 1952-0ct.1976. The discrepancy involved is calculated, and possible causes are discussed.

In the 24-year period analyzed, only 1.48 percent of the total storage volume of Kerr Reservoir was lost due to sediment accumulation, indicating that the long term operation of the reservoir is not significantly affected by sedimentation.