The fluvial geomorphic character of the lower reaches of major Mackenzie River tributaries, Fort Simpson to Norman Wells, Northwest Territories

This study presents fluvial geomorphic information on the lowest 4 to 8 km of eight major tributaries of Mackenzie River gathered from fieldwork, aerial photograph interpretation, and available published sources. The tributaries studied are North Nahanni, Root, Willowlake, Blackwater, Dahadinni, Redstone, Keele, and Great Bear rivers which are located between Fort Simpson and Norman Wells, Northwest Territories. Specifically, information for each study reach was compiled on the valley characteristics, hydrology, channel characteristics, lateral channel change, and interaction with Mackenzie River. The main body of the bulletin reviews previously published fluvial geomorphic research on Mackenzie River and the late Quaternary history as it pertains to the rivers. An overview section contains general information on the methodology, terminology, and the characteristics of the tributaries. River behaviours that should be carefully assessed prior to any development along a lower reach of a tributary are briefly summarized. Specific information on the eight individual tributaries is contained within separate appendices.