Alternatives for Reducing Shoaling at the Mouth of the Colorado River Navigation Channel, Texas

This paper presents results of a coastal and inlet processes study performed to develop alternatives for reducing the cost and frequency of dredging at the mouth of the Colorado River Navigation Channel, Texas. The river had discharged into the Gulf of Mexico until July 1992, when it was diverted at a point some 6.5 miles north of the mouth to empty into (West) Matagorda Bay. As a result, river flow from the diversion point to the mouth was eliminated, the tidal prism was reduced, and unanticipated excessive shoaling of the channel entrance occurred. An innovative weir jetty and impoundment basin constructed to accommodate the anticipated increased deposition have not functioned satisfactorily. This study identified modifications to reduce and manage the entrance channel shoaling. The modifications will be implemented incrementally based upon in-course evaluation.