River erosion and bank stabilization — North Saskatchewan River, Edmonton, Alberta

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Abstract
The postglacial geology of the North Saskatchewan River valley in Edmonton is reviewed. Using radiocarbon dating by others, limited land survey, and aerial photography measurement, it is inferred that the river valley was quickly formed after glaciation during a period of rapid downcutting. Over the last 8000 years, the rate of vertical downcutting has been about 25 times slower than it was during the initial 5000 years following deglaciation. As the river reached its base level, lateral river migration occurred and erosion against the low-lying river terraces has been substantial. It is inferred that over the past century the lateral migration is probably at the rate of at least 30 m/century.Low-level erosion protection berms are required to stabilize the toe of a variety of landslides; however, they do not completely eliminate the causes of upper slope movement. The engineering considerations underlying the construction of four protective works are discussed and overall costs are presented.

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