Role and management of in-channel wood in relation to flood events in Southern Andes basins

Abstract

This paper analyses the connection among wood dynamics, channel morphology and flood risk in mountain basins of the Southern Chilean Andes and of the Argentinean Tierra del Fuego. Guidelines for the management of in-channel wood and of the riparian buffer strip are suggested, along with considerations about possible input from landslides and debris flows. A selection of low-impact check dams specifically designed for the retention of floating LW elements is finally provided.