torrent, flysch, restoration

The occurrence of channel-reach morphologies (e.g., bedrock channels, step-pools, anabranching channels) in mountainous landscape is driven by several internal and external time- and space-variable factors. Especially, the identification of the sediment supply potential related to transport capacity is crucial for later stream management in torrential mountain channels. The contribution deals with theoretical aspects of stream restorations of this part of fluvial net with emphasis on the flysch Western Carpathians on the example of restored anabranching channel-reach of the Kněhyně Torrent. This channel-reach was partly renaturalized by the 100y flood event in 1997, when the single riprap-regulated channel was transformed into anabranching pattern with relatively large gravel deposits. Stabilization elements were added into the channel to preserve that morphology during the restoration project realized in 2003-2004.