Regional Sediment Yield Analysis of Alaska Streams

Sparse suspended sediment data for Alaska were evaluated to verify previous work on regional sediment yield relationships and to test alternative regression correlations using readily obtained watershed parameters. Glacier-fed streams in the south central region of Alaska were emphasized, although one nonglacial stream in the interior region of Alaska was included for comparison. Results indicate that plausible, simple relationships can be developed for stream reaches well downstream from the glacier which delivers a high fraction of the total suspended sediment load. A great deal of uncertainty is associated with correlation attempts for short stream reaches near the glacier delivery source.