Glacier-Gallup Creeks Alluvial Fan Restoration Project

Glacier-Gallup Creeks Alluvial Fan Restoration Project Vicinity

Contact Us

  1. Deb Johnson, PE

    Project Engineer
    360-778-6288
    [email protected]

    322 N Commercial Street
    2nd Floor
    Bellingham, Washington 98225

Summary

The Glacier-Gallup Creeks Alluvial Fan Restoration Project is a collaborative project between Whatcom County Flood Control Zone District (FCZD) and Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT). Improvements to the levee system are being planned in coordination with a bridge replacement over Glacier Creek. Community meetings and close coordination with affected landowners will occur throughout the project to convey technical information and receive feedback from the community. 

Project Update

The project is in the first phase of a multi-phase effort. Phase one includes:

  • Community engagement (on-going)
  • Existing conditions evaluation of Glacier and Gallup Creeks within the project area (complete, see Project Documents)
  • Development of concept alternatives for the levee system (in progress)
  • Alternatives analysis
  • Selection of a preferred alternative 

The proposed concept alternatives will be presented at a community meeting in early 2023, and a preferred alternative will be selected after feedback from the public has been incorporated. Future phases will advance the preferred alternative for the levee system through detailed design and construction. 

In addition to the selection and design of a preferred alternative for the levee system associated with WSDOT’s Glacier Creek Bridge replacement, FCZD is also evaluating short term levee repair options to address damage from recent flood events. This interim levee repair project is anticipated for construction in 2023. The preferred interim repair option will be presented to the public at the community meeting in early 2023. 

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Project Overview

  • Status: Design - evaluating existing levee system, engaging affected landowners and the community, identifying options to modify existing levee system
  • Next Steps: Second public meeting in early 2023; selection of preferred alternative
  • Schedule: Construction anticipated in 2026 with WSDOT project to replace the Hwy 542 Glacier Creek Bridge. COVID-19 has delayed the project planning and design.

Project Benefits

  • Improve public safety for the community of Glacier
  • Reduce highway bridge maintenance
  • Reduce levee maintenance
  • Restore salmon habitat
  • Restore alluvial fan processes

Background

The project is located in the community of Glacier on the alluvial fans created by Glacier and Gallup Creeks. Highway 542 and many homes and businesses in the community are at risk of damage during floods. The highway crosses the alluvial fan with two bridge crossings over Glacier and Gallup Creeks. A levee on Glacier Creek and non-engineered berms on Gallup Creek currently provide some protection to the highway and the community. However, the Glacier Creek levee constricts the creek, increasing the energy in the channel which causes bank erosion and damage to the levee. Moreover, the constriction typically leads to upstream sediment build-up which, over time, may reduce the channel capacity and may lead to further erosion or avulsions which is when a creek jumps out of its natural banks.

The highway, levee, and berms have also disrupted natural alluvial fan processes and damaged critical salmon habitats. WSDOT is planning to replace the highway bridge over Glacier Creek and is currently seeking funding for the bridge replacement. If funds are secured, the earliest construction would occur is 2027. The new Glacier Creek bridge will be joined with the recently-constructed Gallup Creek Bridge to create a full span bridge across the two creeks and a significant portion of the alluvial fan between them.