Terrestrial lidar monitoring of the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on the geomorphic condition of archaeological sites in Grand Canyon National Park, 2010–2020

Between 2010 and 2020, 21 out of 30 monitored archaeological sites along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park transitioned to a more degraded geomorphic condition due to Glen Canyon Dam operations. The study used high-resolution terrestrial lidar surveys to quantitatively assess changes in site morphology, focusing on 23 locations classified using established geomorphic frameworks. While controlled flood releases can mitigate erosion, most sites showed worsening degradation, providing critical benchmarks for cultural resource management and risk assessment. This research offers a methodologically robust foundation for future monitoring efforts in similar river valleys.

Caster, J., Sankey, J. B., Fairley, H., & Kasprak, A. (2022). Terrestrial lidar monitoring of the effects of Glen Canyon Dam operations on the geomorphic condition of archaeological sites in Grand Canyon National Park, 2010–2020. Open-File Report. https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20221097