Full Title: FT26CN408. Kirk Bryan Field Trip: Drying Streams, Beaver Dams, and Dam Removal: Changing Streamflow and Sediment Dynamics in Rivers of the Southern Colorado Rockies
Price: US$145 for non-members; US$120 for professional members; US$0 for student members*; US$98 for early career professional members
Leader(s): Charles Shobe; Katherine Lininger; Sara Warix
Endorser(s): GSA Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology Division; GSA Environmental and Engineering Geology Division; GSA Hydrogeology Division
Industry Track(s): Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology
CEUs: 1.20
Date(s): Sat., 10 Oct. 2026
Departing Location: Colorado Convention Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
Start Time: 7 a.m.
End Time: 7 p.m.
Description: How will changes in precipitation quantity, phase, and timing affect streamflow and water storage in riparian corridors? How quickly does sediment accumulate behind beaver dams, and how much sediment can be stored relative to human-built dams? How will shifting attitudes toward beavers, dam building, and dam removal influence how water and sediment move through rivers?
The 2026 Kirk Bryan Field Trip will explore how changing environmental and management regimes affect streamflow and sediment dynamics in the rivers of the southern Colorado Rocky Mountains.
This single-day trip will begin at Manitou Experimental Forest, an intensively studied landscape situated atop the Pikes Peak batholith, where participants will be introduced to the unique geology and hydrology of this granitic terrain and discuss recent advances in groundwater–surface water interactions and implications for headwater streamflow.
The trip will then continue to nearby Trout Creek to investigate an extensive complex of active and abandoned beaver ponds and examine recent work quantifying beaver-driven water and sediment storage in mountain rivers, including comparisons with storage behind human-built dams. The final stop will be at the mouth of Elevenmile Canyon, a bedrock gorge carved by the South Platte River, where participants will assess geomorphic and ecological responses to a recent dam removal and river restoration project.
This trip is designed to foster discussion, debate, and networking among participants interested in how river corridors respond to changes in environmental boundary conditions and management practices.
Considerations: We anticipate only minimal walking (approximately 1/4 mile or less per stop). At the first two stops, walking will likely be overland rather than on improved paths, but without steep grades or rough terrain. At the third stop, there is an ADA-compliant flat gravel trail connecting the parking area to the overlook we will use.
The primary logistical challenge of this trip is that, while the stops are not far apart, they are approximately two hours from the Denver convention center. To offset the travel time, we plan to spend at least one hour at each of the three stops, with approximately two hours at the second stop to accommodate lunch. Allowing for potential Denver traffic, the trip is best scheduled as an 11–12 hour day (e.g., 7:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.), though we are open to discussion.
Restrooms are available at Forest Service facilities near all three stops; some have plumbing, while others are pit toilets. Food (lunch and snacks) and water will need to be brought on the bus, as there are limited nearby sources (one for water and none for food). All stops are at approximately 8,000 ft above sea level, so participants should be mindful of their response to altitude. Sun and weather protection are also recommended.
Cost includes ground transportation, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and water.
By purchasing this item, you are buying a seat for an in-person geological field trip. This field trip is in conjunction with GSA Connects 2026. Learn more here.
For member type discounts please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Students and Early Career Professionals can apply for funding here.
Field Trips offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs). One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction.
Please review these Field Safety Documents. You will be contacted to provide your consent to these forms after purchasing a field trip.
For additional information, please contact fieldtrip@geosociety.org.
Product Code: FT26CN408
Product Category: FTRIP
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