2011 Geomorphic Evolution of Pescadero Marsh

GEOMORPHIC EVOLUTION OF
PESCADERO MARSH: 1987-2011

Results of Field Monitoring and Data Collection
Prepared for September 1, 2011

San Mateo County
Resource Conservation District and
California Department of Parks and Recreation
GEOMORPHIC EVOLUTION OF
PESCADERO MARSH: 1987-2011
Results of Field Monitoring and Data Collection
Prepared for September 1, 2011

San Mateo County
Resource Conservation District and
California Department of Parks and Recreation
550 Kearny Street

Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.262.2300
www.pwa-ltd.com
Los Angeles
Oakland
Olympia
Petaluma
Portland
Sacramento
San Diego
Seattle
Tampa
Woodland Hills
2031
Services provided pursuant to this Agreement are intended solely for the
use and benefit of the San Mateo County Resource Conservation District
and the California Department of Parks and Recreation. No other person
or entity shall be entitled to rely on the services, opinions,
recommendations, plans or specifications provided pursuant to this
agreement without the express written consent of ESA PWA, 550 Kearny
Street, Suite 900, San Francisco, CA 94108.
K:\projects\2031-Pescadero_Cross-Sections\Report\coverpage\cover page.doc
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS S-1
RECOMMENDATIONS S-2
MONITORING S-2
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION S-2
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. BACKGROUND 2
2.1 TIDAL DATUMS 2
2.2 SUBREGIONS 2
3. METHODS: 4
3.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF BENCHMARKS 4
3.2 LAGOON WATER LEVELS 4
3.3 CROSS SECTIONS 4
3.4 THALWEG CHANGES 5
3.5 TIDAL PRISM 5
4. RESULTS 6
4.1 LAGOON WATER LEVELS 6
4.2 CROSS SECTION CHANGES 6
4.2.1 Subregion: Pescadero Beach 6
4.2.1.1 Beach Thalweg 7
4.2.1.2 Beach Profile 1 7
i
4.2.2 Subregion: Pescadero Lagoon 7
4.2.2.1 Cross-section 1 8
4.2.3 Subregion: Butano Creek 9
4.2.4 Subregion: Delta Marsh 11
4.2.5 Subregion: East Butano Marsh 12
ii
4.2.6 Subregion: Pescadero Creek 13
4.2.7 Subregion: North Pond 14
4.2.8 Subregion: North Marsh 15
4.3 THALWEG CHANGES 16
4.4 TIDAL PRISM 17
4.5 BENCHMARKS 18
5. LIST OF PREPARERS 19
6. REFERENCES 20
iii
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Tidal Datums at the Presidio, San Francisco, California 2
Table 2. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism 17
Table 3. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism by Subregion 18
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Site Map
Figure 2. Historic Cross section locations - 1987
Figure 3. Map of Benchmarks and Cross sections 2011
Figure 4. Lagoon Water Levels July 2010 to August 2011
Figure 5. Thalweg Changes between 1987 and 2011
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Beach Profiles
Appendix B. Cross Sections
Appendix C. Benchmarks.
iv
SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS
Between 1987 and 2011, comparison of topographic cross sections show that overall, the Pescadero
Marsh System has accreted across much of the study area. Near areas of restoration activities in the
1990s, there have been significant changes to the channel morphologies either evidenced by the creation
of new channels, or the abandonment of old ones.
Pescadero lagoon shows accretion of the thalweg by an average of 1.3 ft. The highest accretion was in
the lower end of the estuary, near the flood tidal delta. The flood shoal has experienced 4-6 ft of accretion
since 1987. The deepest portion of the site migrated ~300 feet inland between 2002 and 2011.
The Butano Creek exhibits an overall trend of mild accretion on average ~0.25 ft. However, wide
variability across this subregion ranges from -0.5 ft of erosion to 1.5 ft of accretion. The thalweg of the
channel through Butano Creek shows that between 1987 and 2011, there has been a steepening of the
thalweg profile with a lowering of the downstream portion of Butano creek closer to the confluence with
Pescadero Creek.
The East Butano Marsh shows accretion between 0.5 ft and 1.3 ft. Attempts to relocated and survey
channel cross sections 12 and 17 failed, observations of the channel conditions show an aggraded system
that loses channel definition about 700 feet downstream from Pescadero Road. Water flow at this point
tends to pond across many acres of Butano Marsh. However, between 1987 and 2011, a well defined
channel has become established along the western edge of the marsh near Pescadero Road.
The Pescadero Creek shows an overall trend of mild accretion. Between 1987 and 2011, the Pescadero
Creek thalweg has had a near uniform rise of about 0.4 ft along the entire channel.
The North Pond is characterized by a trend of aggredation. This subregion has accreted on average ~1ft
with the two most southern profiles accreting more on the west side of the profile while the northern
profile accreted more on the eastern side. In addition a well defined channel has developed near the
western side of the North Pond.
North Marsh shows relatively stable marshplain elevations and development of more distinct channels on
the west side of the North Marsh with the east side showing some accretion of the channels.
Water level data collection shows cyclic tidal influences controlled largely by the elevation of the inlet
thalweg or beach sill. The collection of the first beach profiles begin to provide additional information
which informs the lagoon functioning. Maximum lagoon water level elevations of 6.1 ft NGVD or ~0.2ft
above MHHW was reached on 11/23/2010 immediately prior to breach. Following the breach, lagoon
water levels dropped 5 feet in ~21 hours restoring tidal exchange to the lagoon.
All of the levees in the study area seem in good condition except near the location of the failed tide gates
and culverts connecting Pescadero Creek with North Pond and North Marsh which seems in poor
condition with ongoing erosion.
S-1
RECOMMENDATIONS
MONITORING
Continue quarterly beach profiles
Continue lagoon water level monitoring
Collect Sediment grain sizes along the respective thalwegs
Expand monitoring of the marshplain elevations
Focus additional survey work along the Butano Marsh and creek
Resurvey the 1987 vegetation surveys
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
Study interactions and relationships between coastal processes and inlet dynamics
Investigate the sediment management practices of Caltrans along Highway 1
S-2
1. INTRODUCTION
Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve, located on the central California coast 35 miles south of San
Francisco, contains 320 acres of coastal wetland owned and managed by the California Department of
Parks and Recreation (DPR). The wetland includes a lagoon at the confluence of Pescadero and Butano
creeks, both fresh and brackish water marsh, brackish water ponds, and riparian areas along the streams
(Figure 1).
Extensive reports (Curry et al. 1985, Smith 1987, PWA 1990, Swanson 2001, ESA 2004, and ESA 2008)
document the extensive historic anthropogenic changes to the systems creeks and marshes, and how
these changes may impact physical processes and habitat functions within the system. Generally, these
studies have concluded that anthropogenic changes have impacted the ability of the Pescadero-Butano
system to (1) support natural 1 hydrologic and sediment transport processes, and (2) provide habitat for a
broad range of plant and wildlife species, including special-status species such as steelhead, California
red-legged frog, and San Francisco garter snake.
In recent years, fish kills following lagoon breaching has focused attention on the lagoon. As a result ESA
PWA was hired to revisit the historic transects originally collected in 1987 (Figure 2) to assess the last 24
years of geomorphic changes and to begin to collect monitoring and topographic data that could be used
in the future to document baseline conditions, develop hydrodynamic models, and to evaluate the
feasibility of various restoration alternatives.
The scope of work for ESA PWA was to establish a network of geodetic control and benchmarks suitable
for to support future monitoring (Figure 3), collect lagoon water levels, resurvey historic cross sections
throughout the area, collect initial beach profiles, and calculate a present day tidal prism to assess long
term changes over time.
1
Natural in this case means processes that would exert an influence on the landscape, wherein the expression of
those influences is unimpeded by anthropogenic factors such as levees, water control structures, roads, bridges,
and others.
1
2. BACKGROUND
2.1 TIDAL DATUMS
The tides in the vicinity of Pescadero Marsh are available from NOAAs National Ocean Service (NOS).
The NOS Presidio tidal station (#941 4290) is located at the end of the Fort Point US Coast Guard
Station. Error! Reference source not found. lists the published NOS (2003) tidal datums (e.g. mean
higher high water or MHHW) relative to mean lower low water (MLLW) tidal datum of the 1983-2001
national tidal epoch and the North American Vertical Datum (NAVD), as well as the National Geodetic
Vertical Datum (NGVD) calculated using the site conversion obtained using the National Geodedic
Survey-maintained VERTCON. In this report, a conversion of -2.68 ft was used to calculate NGVD from
NAVD.
Table 1. Tidal Datums at the Presidio, San Francisco, California

Datum ft MLLW ft NAVD ft NGVD
Highest observed water level (01/27/83) 8.66 8.74 6.06
Mean higher high water (MHHW) 5.84 5.92 3.24
Mean high water (MHW) 5.23 5.31 2.63
Mean tide level (MTL) 3.18 3.26 0.58
Mean sea level (MSL) 3.12 3.20 0.52
Mean low water (MLW) 1.13 1.21 -1.47
Mean lower low water (MLLW) 0.00 0.08 -2.60
Lowest observed water level (12/17/33) -2.88 -2.80 -5.48
NOTES: Tidal datums at the Presidio are based on measurements made from 1983 to 2001.
SOURCE: National Ocean Service (NOS) tidal station 941 4290 (www.co-ops.nos.noaa.gov)
The tides at Pescadero Marsh have a mixed, predominately semi-diurnal form (two highs and two lows
each day with a higher-high and lower-low tide), typical of San Francisco Bay. The mean diurnal tidal
range, or distance between mean higher high water (MHHW) and mean lower low water (MLLW), is
5.84 feet (Error! Reference source not found.). In this report we will refer to areas as supralittoral,
those areas that are above MHHW. Intertidal those areas between MHHW and MLLW, and subtidal,
those areas that are below MLLW.
2.2 SUBREGIONS
This report reports on the changes to the Pescadero Marsh in different subregions combined for analysis
(Figure 1). Pescadero Creek, the larger stream flowing into the lagoon, drains about 46 sq. miles, while
Butano Creek drains 21 sq miles. The two creeks join and flow into the lagoon that forms behind the sill
created by the Pescadero Beach subregion. The confluence of Pescadero and Butano creeks forms the
eastern limit of the Pescadero lagoon subregion, however for most purposes, the lower channels of the
creeks act as part of the lagoon as well.
2
Delta Marsh subregion covers 63 acres between Pescadero Creek subregion and Butano creek subregions
while East Delta Marsh is 44 acres. North Butano Marsh (36 acres) has been leveed, but the natural
drainage channels are still evident. A breach in the levee at its northwestern end provides a direct
connection to Butano Creek. The 14 acres Middle Butano Marsh is connected to the adjacent marshes by
small openings in the levees. East Butano Marsh subregion (54 acres) is also connected to Butano Creek
by a breach in the levee, but the opening is largely clogged by emergent vegetation.
North Marsh subregion covers 72 acres including both brackish and fresh water marsh, but it is partially
isolated from the lagoon by an artificial levee built on top of the natural levee. Tide gates installed in the
1990s have failed exposing the North Marsh to more saline waters. During floods, water from Pescadero
Creek overtops the levee, especially at the eastern end of North Marsh, but this happens only occasionally
when the inlet to the lagoon is closed. North Pond region is a brackish water pond of about 20 acres,
which was reconnected to the lagoon as part of restoration actions in the 1990s.
3
3. METHODS:
3.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF BENCHMARKS
In 2010, ESA PWA established 21 benchmarks with a Leica 1200 Series Real-Time Kinematic GPS
(RTK-GPS) rover unit receiving corrections from a Leica 1200 Series RTK-GPS base station (Appendix
C, Table C1). The base station was collecting positions in static occupation, which was then shifted based
on corrections received from the NGS-maintained Online Positioning User Service (OPUS). The
horizontal datum used for the survey was the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD83), the vertical
datum used for the survey was the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD88), the local
ellipsoid used for the survey was the Geodedic Reference System of 1980 (GRS80), and the geoid used
for the survey was Geoid03. These surveyed data were vertically shifted to the NGS network using
benchmark A1240 (PID: HT1506), located in the head of a culvert on the northeast side of the Highway 1
and Pescadero Road interchange. Horizontal accuracy for the benchmark survey was kept within +/- 0.02
ft, and vertical accuracy for the benchmark survey was kept within +/- 0.04 ft. NAVD88 surveyed
elevations were shifted to historic National Geodetic Vertical Datum 1929 (NGVD29) using a 2.684 feet
conversion for the site location obtained from the NGS-maintained VERTCON tool.
3.2 LAGOON WATER LEVELS
Lagoon Water Levels were recorded using an In-Situ Level TROLL 400 non-vented pressure transducer
which was corrected for barometric pressure using a Solinst Barologger Gold installed on-site. We
recorded water depth every 10 minutes between 7/9/2010 and 8/12/2011. The water levels were tied into
NAVD88 using total-station surveyed water surface elevation shots in the vicinity, and then shifted to
NGVD29 using the aforementioned 2.684 feet conversion obtained from VERTCON.
3.3 CROSS SECTIONS
33 cross sections were established in the Pescadero Marsh by Phillip Williams and Associates (PWA) in
1987 using standard rod and leveling techniques (PWA 1990; Figure 2). Some of the lagoon and creek
transects were resurveyed in 2001 and 2002 by Environmental Science Associates (ESA) using hand held
GPS to attempt to locate some of the original end points. Rod and level techniques were then applied to
capture 17 of the original set of profiles (ESA 2002). ESA PWA then surveyed 30 of the historic cross
sections using a total station and data collector in three dimensions (latitude, longitude and elevation), so
that future surveys could reoccupy the exact same transects (Figure 3).
To begin collecting data necessary to inform inlet dynamics ESA PWA collected a thalweg profile from
the Highway 1 bridge crossing to the ocean and 3 beach profiles covering 600 feet of the south end of
Pescadero State Beach. The beach profiles extended from the edge of the road to wading depth. This area
has been little studied. ESA PWA did collect 4 sets of these beach profiles (7/9/2010, 8/31/2010,
11/10/2010 and 5/13/2011 (Appendix A).
Elevations and horizontal position data were collected with a Leica TPS803 Ultra total station set up over
a known benchmark near each transect. A two-person survey crew carried a rod with prism target
4
allowing the total station to record the northing, easting, and elevation information for each position along
each transect. In some cases, due to the softness of the mudflat surface, the survey crew used a rigid 12-
inch diameter disk attached to the bottom of the prism rod to reduce the rod penetration into the
sediment. Flagged range poles were used as reference points to align each transect. Interpretation of the
observed historic changes uses left bank and right bank as one looks downstream to refer to various sides
of the channel.
3.4 THALWEG CHANGES
A thalweg transect was constructed by plotting the deepest point at each cross section from the lagoon
and Pescadero and Butano creeks against the distance from Cross Section 1. In 1987 and 2011, Cross
Sections 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 29, 20, 14, 21, 22, 23, 7, 8, 9, 10, 19, and 11 were used. In 2002, Cross Sections
4, 29 and 20 were not included. To compare the two creeks, Figure 5 shows Pescadero as a dashed line
and Butano as a solid line. The lagoon thalweg is dotted and to the left.
3.5 TIDAL PRISM
The volume of tidal flow in and out of an estuary or lagoon helps determine whether or how long the
mouth stays open, and determines the effectiveness of the tidal flow for moving sediment through the
lagoon. This volume is called the tidal prism, and can be calculated by subtracting the volume of water in
the lagoon at low tide from the volume in the lagoon at high tide.
Part of this volume is in North Pond and North Marsh, where it is not subject to tidal action. In addition,
water in the lagoon below the elevation of the sill formed by the beach cannot flow out of the lagoon
during low tide. Accordingly, we distinguish the effective tidal prism from the potential tidal prism.
Calculations from the 1990 PWA report use a low tide of -0.32 ft NAVD (-3 ft NGVD) to a moderately
high tide of 5.68 ft NAVD (3 ft NGVD) to represent the potential tidal prism. The report also assumes
that the sill limits drainage to 2.68 ft NAVD (0 ft NGVD) for calculating the effective tidal prism. These
values were used in the current analysis for consistency with the historic calculation. Since Cross Section
12 was not surveyed because of difficulties in relocating endpoints and dense vegetation we assumed the
channel was completely filled in at this location, the cross-sectional area and therefore tidal prism was
assumed to go to zero at Cross Section 12. For Pescadero Creek, the channel was assumed to go to zero
cross-sectional area and tidal prism where the creek bends at its southeastern extent.
5
4. RESULTS
4.1 LAGOON WATER LEVELS
Lagoon water levels are influenced by tides, stream discharge, and wave runup but are largely controlled
by the beach sill elevation in the inlet. The elevation of the sill moderates the relative influences of marine
and fluvial influences and determines the type of process that dominates the lagoon.
As the beach sill gains in elevation, less tidal exchange occurs. Eventually as the sill gets high enough the
inlet closes and the entire lagoon now separated from the ocean starts to fill. At some point the volume of
water or a significant fluvial discharge event (or someone with a shovel), breaches the lagoon by scouring
the beach sill. This restores tidal influences and tidal exchange and the cycle continues.
The results of the water level data collection shows 4 distinct phases of lagoon functioning (figure 4).
Between installation and September 25, 2010, the lagoon experience limited tidal influences as evidenced
by the truncation of the lower tidal ranges around the 0.7 ft NGVD elevation near MSL. The thalweg
across the beach on the day of gauge installation reached a maximum elevation of 0.1 ft NGVD.
Around the 9/26/2010, the inlet closed and the lagoon began to fill until it reached its maximum lagoon
water level elevation of 6.1 ft NGVD or ~0.2ft above MHHW which was reached on 11/23/2010. Beach
profiles collected on 11/10/2010 show that the elevation of the thalweg reached 6.93 ft NGVD, roughly 7
feet above thalweg elevations surveyed during open estuary conditions.
On 11/24/2010 the lagoon breached at 3 am (suspected to be artificial breach), and the volume of water in
the lagoon rushed out, scouring the beach sill, and dropping the lagoon water levels 5 feet in ~21 hours.
This restored tidal exchange into the lagoon.
During the time period from 1/21/2011 to 2/16/2011 it appears that the beach sill started to rise in
elevation and reduce the tidal influence during this time period.
March 2011 was unusually wet and the high fluvial discharge scoured the beach sill to -0.7 ft NGVD
which is about over a foot below MSL which increased the tidal influences in the lagoon. Maximum
thalweg elevation across the beach sill on 5/13/2011 was -0.7 ft NGVD.
To be more useful, lagoon water level data should be analyzed with the relevant coastal (tides and waves)
and fluvial processes to determine the variability in the record, as well as the likely breaching and closure
mechanisms.
4.2 CROSS SECTION CHANGES
4.2.1 Subregion: Pescadero Beach
The beach and coastal processes affecting inlet dynamics has had no previous monitoring or studies
completed, therefore it is not possible to compare historic changes at the site.
6
4.2.1.1 Beach Thalweg
The thalweg profile was collected at the deepest point across the beach channel from the Highway 1
bridge to wading depth. Thalweg elevations in July and August were around 0.8 ft NGVD ~0.4 ft below
MSL. In May 2011, the thalweg elevation had scoured 1.5 ft down to -0.7 ft NGVD enabling a wider
range of tide conditions to influence the lagoons. (See Lagoon Water Level discussion and Figure 4)
4.2.1.2 Beach Profile 1
Beach profile 1 traverses the beach from under the Highway 1 bridge west to a sea cave inside the rocky
headland. This profile is roughly 100 ft from the marine terrace headland.
Seasonal changes in this profile show that during the summer, the beach crest elevation accreted some 1.2
ft between July and end of August with the crest position migrating inland ~45 ft. The beach crest reached
roughly 9.7 ft NGVD during the lagoons closed state as of surveys completed on 11/10/2010. A small
foredune that had developed in summer through fall 2010 was eroded 5.9 ft by May 2011.
Beach profile 2 traverses the beach from the abutment of the Highway 1 bridge west to wading depth.
This profile is roughly 200 ft from the marine terrace headland at the south end of the beach.
Seasonal changes in this profile show that during the summer, the beach crest elevation accreted some
1.0 ft between July and end of August with the crest position migrating inland ~7 ft. The beach crest in
May 2011 was 0.9 ft lower and 60 ft inland. Beach slopes in July and late August showed a steep
foreshore slope between 0.15 and 0.17. The May beach slope was much more dissipative at 0.7.
Beach profile 3 traverses the beach from the end of the Highway 1 bridge guardrails west to wading
depth. This profile is roughly 600 ft from the marine terrace headland at the south end of the beach and
400 feet north of Beach Profile 2.
Seasonal changes in this profile show that during the summer, the beach crest elevation accreted some 1.2
ft between July and end of August with the crest position migrating inland ~6 ft. Between the end of
August and mid-November, the beach crest elevation accreted an additional 3.6 ft and the crest position
migrated seaward ~20 ft. As of May 2011 surveys, the beach crest had eroded landward ~83 ft and
lowered by 1.4 ft. Beach slopes in July showed a steep foreshore slope around 0.15. The August,
November, and end of winter May beach slopes were more intermediate around 0.10 dissipative at 0.7.
4.2.2 Subregion: Pescadero Lagoon
This subregion in the estuary appears to have experience accretion of the thalweg by an average of 1.3 ft.
The highest accretion was in the lower end of the estuary. The deepest portion of the entire study area is
7
found in this area and has migrated ~300 feet inland from profile 5 to 6. The sediment in the channel is
largely dominated by marine sands.
4.2.2.1 Cross-section 1
Cross-section 1 traverses Pescadero Creek, just downstream of the Highway 1 Bridge. The exact location
of the transect was not re-established during the 2011 survey because the endpoints could not be located.
The actual location of the original cross section is likely directly under the current Highway 1 bridge
reconstructed around 1997.
Between 1987 and 2011, the channel thalweg elevation has aggraded 1.6 ft. The majority of the accretion
has occurred since 2002 (0.9 ft). The channel dimensions in the intertidal zone are significantly
diminished and there is also substantial deposition of sand (4-5 ft) in the high intertidal zone and
supratidal zone, although some of the difference observed may be a result of imperfect alignment when
re-establishing the 1987 surveys.
Cross-section 2 traverses Pescadero Creek just upstream of the Highway 1 Bridge. The endpoints were
not recovered during the 2011 survey, so some of the difference observed may be a result of imperfect
alignment when re-establishing the 1987 surveys.
Between 1987 and 2011, the channel thalweg elevation has fluctuated with an overall accretion. The
current elevation is during 0.7 ft lower than the channel thalweg elevation surveyed in 2002, but 1.2 ft
higher than the channel thalweg elevation surveyed in 1987. The present intertidal channel dimensions
have expanded since the 2002 survey, with ~15 ft of scour on the left (south) bank. Compared to the
1987 survey present topographic conditions show a narrowing of the channel by ~90 ft. The high
intertidal and supralittoral zones have experienced 5-6 ft sand deposition likely part of the flood shoal.
Cross-section 3 crosses Pescadero Creek about 300 ft upstream of the Highway 1 Bridge. Endpoints for
cross-section 3 were not located during 2011 surveys, but handheld GPS coordinates from earlier surveys
were converted to state plane coordinates and end points reestablished using a digital theodolite. The
location of this section approximates the previously surveyed location of the cross-section. End points
were reestablished on this cross section.
Between 1987 and 2011, the channel thalweg aggraded 1.25 ft and the overall channel broadened by ~350
ft. Most of this aggredation had occurred before 2002. Between the 2002 and 2011 survey we see a
broadening and migration of the main channel to the north.
Cross-section 4 crosses Pescadero Creek about 300 ft upstream of cross-section 3. Cross-section 4 was
not reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints,
8
we were unsuccessful at this cross section and so some of these changes may be due to differences in
survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, the thalweg elevation has aggraded 1.6 ft. The channel thalweg migrated ~ 200ft
from left bank to right bank about during this same time period.
Cross section 5 crosses Pescadero Creek about 450 feet upstream of cross section 4. We did not find
either endpoint along this cross section. Thus, while every effort was made to recover historic endpoints,
some of these changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, the thalweg has aggraded ~ 3.5ft and broadened by over ~100 ft. Between 2002
and 2011, the channel widened by >70ft.
Cross-section 6 is located just downstream of the confluence of Pescadero and Butano creeks. This is
presently the deepest portion of the lagoon and the channel thalweg depth is nearly identical to the 1987
surveys. We recovered one endpoint, so some horizontal changes may not be accounted for if the cross
section did not follow the exact alignment.
Between 2002 and 2011, the thalweg has aggraded by about 0.7 ft. Across the overall profile, there has
been accretion between 1987 and 2011, mainly in the intertidal area to the north of the main channel
which has aggraded by 1.5 ft. There has been some minor scour of about 5 ft along the left bank.
Cross-section 29 crosses Pescadero Creek about 150 ft downstream of the confluence with Butano Creek
and 300 ft upstream of Cross Section 6. This is the closest cross section to the confluence. Both endpoints
were recovered. Cross-section 29 was not reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. We recovered one
endpoint, so some horizontal changes may not be accounted for if the cross section did not follow the
exact alignment.
Between 1987 and 2011, the channel thalweg aggraded 1.1 ft. There has been 12.5 ft of scour erosion
along the left bank. A secondary channel more clearly defined in the 1987 profile has aggraded 0.5 ft.
4.2.3 Subregion: Butano Creek
This subregion is upstream of the confluence of Pescadero and Butano Creeks, and encompasses much of
the lower Butano Creek which had multiple restoration activities conducted in the mid 1990s. Sediment
here is predominantly mud although detailed sediment analyses were not conducted. The overall trend in
this area is for channel to mild accretion of on average 0.25 ft. However, there is wide variability across
this subregion which ranges from -0.5 ft of erosion to 1.5 ft of accretion.
9
Marshplain accretion was documented in some areas of this subregion where there is cross sectional
coverage of marsh, this ranges from minor (>0.1 ft) to greater than 1.0 ft. Since the historic cross sections
are not focused on marshplain elevations, it is difficult to determine what the overall marshplain
elevations have done over time.
Cross-section 7 crosses Butano Creek about 200 ft upstream of the confluence with Pescadero Creek. The
sediment above this confluence is notably finer, although no sediment grain size data was collected. One
endpoint was reoccupied on the right bank which had been reestablished during the 2002 survey.
Between 1987 and 2011, this cross section has eroded or deepened over time by 0.25 ft. The current
channel thalweg elevation has aggraded some 0.7 ft since the 2002 survey. Overall, the channel has
widened with erosion on the right cut bank of ~32 ft since 1987.
Cross-section 8 crosses Butano Creek approximately 300 ft upstream of cross-section 7. Both endpoints
were reoccupied.
Between 1987 and 2011, the main channel has eroded 0.5 ft while the remainder of the profile has
aggraded leading to the development of a secondary channel which has incised 1.4 ft. In both 2002 and
2011 a secondary channel draining the adjacent marsh-plain was observed and surveyed near the right
bank. Overall, there has been very little change between 2002 and 2011. Between 1987 and 2011, the left
bank has scoured ~11 ft. The right bank shows deposition across the right bank marsh of about 2 ft.
Cross section 9 crosses Butano Creek just upstream of the confluence of the Butano Creek and North
Butano Marsh Levee borrow channel. Both endpoints (right bank restablished in 2002) were recovered.
Between 1987 and 2011, the cross section has remained fairly constant in elevation, with an overall
channel migration from left to right of ~30 ft. Since 2002, the thalweg has aggraded about 0.3 ft with the
channel thalweg shifted from right bank to left bank.
Cross section 10 crosses Butano Creek approximately 350 ft upstream of cross section 9. The profile
covers the main channel of Butano on the north side of the levee. Both end points were reoccupied.
Between 1987 and 2011, this cross section has remained relatively stable with aggredation of 0.15 ft.
10
Cross section 19 crosses Butano Creek approximately 1000 ft upstream of cross section 10 at the
confluence of the Delta Marsh drainage channels with Butano creek. Both end points were reoccupied
from the 2002 survey.
Between 1987 and 2011, the cross section has fluctuated over time with a slight aggradations of the
channel and overall aggredation of the most of the profile by 1.5 ft. The thalweg over this same time
period has accreted 0.4 ft. Between 2002 and 2010, there has been ~1.5 ft of accretion of the thalweg and
up to 2.0 ft of accretion of the main channel. This is accompanied by some minor bank erosion on the
right bank.
Cross section 11 is located about 1200 ft upstream of cross section 10. This transect is located about 150
ft upstream of the confluence with the small channels draining the Delta Marsh. In 2002, an endpoint was
reestablished effectively increasing the width of the cross section. One endpoint was recovered on the left
bank side, due to the lack of a second endpoint there may be some slight discrepancies in the overall
distance along the cross section. This cross section comparison was lined up based on the best fit of the
channels to facilitate comparison. One notable change is that the levee crest surveyed in 1987 was
removed as part of the 1990 levee.
Between 1987 and 2011, this profile has eroded 0.5 ft. Since 2002, the longer cross section set by ESA
(2002) shows two channels. Between 2002 and 2011, the left bank channel aggraded 0.5 ft with the
thalweg migrating 15 ft toward the left bank (south). The right bank channel aggraded 1.2 ft and
broadened by 12 ft caused by the right bank scour erosion. There is mild accretion across the marshplain.
4.2.4 Subregion: Delta Marsh
The Delta Marsh subregion is difficult to interpret any trends since the 1987 original survey data has not
been able to be relocated. One cross section shows slight accretion of the thalweg and a widening of the
channel.
Cross section 31 is found at the downstream end of the channels draining the Delta Marsh just up from
the confluence with Butano Creek. Both endpoints were relocated.
Between 1987 and 2011, this cross section has accreted slightly and widened. The thalweg elevation has
aggraded by 0.3 ft. Erosion of the right bank has widened the overall channel by 4 ft.
Cross section 32 is found on the western most channel draining the Delta Marsh. Both endpoints were
found and reoccupied, but the historic data from 1987 was not able to be obtained.
11
This channel is ~1.5 ft deep with a thalweg about 3.5 ft higher than the downstream cross section 31.
Cross section 33 is found on the western most channel draining the Delta Marsh. Both endpoints were
found and reoccupied, but the historic data from 1987 was not able to be obtained.
This channel is ~1.3 ft deep with a thalweg about 3.5 ft higher than the downstream cross section 31.
4.2.5 Subregion: East Butano Marsh
The East Butano Marsh subregion is characterized by dense bulrush and cattails marsh with several
inches of water found across the entire section. Sediments were relatively fine grained muds. The
subregion shows a general accretion trend of between 0.5 ft and 1.3 ft. Between 1987 and 2011, a well
defined channel has become established along the western edge of the marsh near Pescadero Road.
This cross section through the main Butano channel was not recovered during the course of this study due
to heavy vegetation of cattails, bulrush, and blackberries.
Cross-section 13 traverses the western portion of East Butano Marsh adjacent to Pescadero Creek Road.
Cross-section 13 was not reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. While no endpoints were recovered
we did reestablish a single end point along the road. The new endpoint can be found between telephone
poles 35 and 36 approximately 110 ft west of pole 35. The cross section was taken along a compass
heading of 320. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the observed
changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011,the elevation of the marsh-plain at cross-section 13 is generally higher by 0.8-1.3
ft. However, there has been little to no accretion about 250 ft along the cross-section and between 600 and
700 ft along the cross-section. A more defined channel has developed on the south end of the marsh and
transect, near Pescadero Creek Road.
This cross section through the main Butano channel was not recovered during the course of this study due
to heavy vegetation of cattails, bulrush, and blackberries.
Cross-section 18 traverses the eastern portion of East Butano Marsh adjacent to Pescadero Creek Road,
about 1000 ft upstream of cross-section 13. Cross-section 18 was not reoccupied during the 2002 survey
effort. While no endpoints were recovered we did reestablish a single end point along the road. The new
endpoint can be found approximately 15 ft east of Benchmark 19. The cross section was taken along a
12
compass heading of 320. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the
observed changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
The marsh follows the same general trend as the 1987 surveys: The western end of the transect is lower
than the eastern end with a few key differences. The 2011 surveys indicate that a channel has formed at
the western end of the transect adjacent to Pescadero Creek Road. This has resulted in erosion of roughly
4.5 ft at this location. This is the same channel identified at the western end of cross-section 13. Also,
from about 100 ft to 500 ft the marsh plain is approximately 0.5-0.7 ft higher during the 2011 survey
compared to the 1987 survey.
4.2.6 Subregion: Pescadero Creek
The Pescadero Creek subregion is characterized by coarse grained sediments that range between fluvial
sands, pebbles, and gravels. Large woody debris was observed in transit through this portion of the study
area in contrast to Butano Creek during the course of this study.
The overall trend in this subregion is relatively stable to mild accretion. The primary changes observed at
each cross section may be partially due to the difficulties in relocated historic endpoints.
Cross-section 20 is located on Pescadero Creek just upstream of the confluence with Butano Creek. The
endpoints were not found during the 2011 survey. Cross-section 20 was not reoccupied during the 2002
survey effort.
Between 1987 and 2011, the overall cross section was relatively stable. The thalweg accreted about 0.4 ft
and the right cut bank showed some minor bank erosion of ~5 ft.
Cross-section 14 traverses Pescadero Creek about 900 ft upstream from the confluence with Butano Creek
and 800 ft upstream of cross section 20. Both endpoints were found and reoccupied.
Between 1987 and 2001, the overall profile has accreted about 0.7 ft and the channel become slightly
better defined. The thalweg elevation has remained constant. However, the during the 2002 survey, there
was no clear low-flow channel. Between 2002 and 2011, the thalweg elevation eroded about 1.3 ft.
Cross-section 21 crosses Pescadero Creek about 450 ft upstream of cross-section 14 and about 600 ft
downstream of cross-section 22. The endpoints for the former surveys of cross-section 21 were not
located during the 2011 surveys and two new t-post endpoints were placed based on GPS estimates for
the old endpoints. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the documented
changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
13
Between 1987 and 2011, cross-section 21 shows overall accretion of ~1.8 ft. The 2011 thalweg elevation
has accreted 0.9 ft from 1987 and is identical to the thalweg elevation measured in 2002.
Cross section 22 is crosses Pescadero Creek about 600 ft upstream of cross-section 21 and about 500
downstream of cross-section 23. This cross section is at the site of the bench and pond turtle educational
signage. The former endpoint markers were not located during the 2011 survey. New t-posts were placed
on the right and left bank in approximately the location of the old endpoints. Handheld GPS was used to
estimate the former location of the cross-section. While every effort was made to recover historic
endpoints, some of the documented changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, the profile shows fluctuations along a relatively stable shape. The thalweg
elevation is ~0.3 ft higher than 1987 and 0.2 ft lower than the channel thalweg elevation measured in
2002. Between 1987 and 2002 the banks appear to have narrowed by approximately 9 ft. The bar on the
left bank observed during the 1987 survey was not present during the 2002 and 2011 surveys. These later
observations may be due to differences in alignment.
Cross-section 23 is crosses Pescadero Creek about 500 ft upstream of cross-section 22. The former
endpoint markers were not located during the 2011 survey. New t-posts were placed on the right and left
bank in approximately the location of the old endpoints. Handheld GPS was used to estimate the former
location of the cross-section. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the
documented changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, the profile largely shows a change in the location of the low flow channel. The
The channel thalweg elevation at cross-section 23 was the same in 2011 as that in 1987. Between 2002
and 2011, the channel thalweg eroded ~0.6 ft. The channel appears to be approximately 10 ft wider in
2011 than in 2002, although this may be because the exact location of the cross section was not found in
either 2002 or 2011.
This cross section was not relocated nor reestablished due to the logistical difficulties of carrying geodetic
control amidst dense riparian bank vegetation and canopy coupled with a meandering channel.
4.2.7 Subregion: North Pond
The North Pond subregion is characterized by a mudflat environment consisting of fine muds adjacent to
Highway 1. This trend in this section over time is one of aggredation. This subregion has accreted on
average ~1ft with the two most southern profiles accreting more on the west side of the profile while the
northern profile accreted more on the eastern side. In addition a well definite channel has developed near
the western side of the North Pond.
14
Cross-section 30 runs east to west traversing the north end of the north pond. Cross-section 30 was not
reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. No end points were found during this survey. The road surface
of Highway 1 was used as a current western endpoint.
Between the 1987 and 2011surveys the marsh-plain is 0.3-1.2 ft higher than when surveyed in 1987. The
highest accretion was located more to the east side of the cross section. The average accretion across the
profile was ~1.0 ft. Three small microchannels have developed across the mudflats over the time period.
Cross-section 25 is traverses the middle of north pond from east to west. Cross-section 25 was not
reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. Multiple stakes were found along the traverse. The road surface
of Highway 1 was used as a current western endpoint.
Between the 1987 and 2011 surveys most of the length of the cross section aggraded between 0.7-1.35 ft
with higher levels of accretion along the western bank. A small channel surveyed in 1987 at
approximately 325 ft near the midpoint of the transect is significantly smaller during the 2011 surveys.
The 2011 surveys also show a significant channel that is approximately 63 ft wide and 1.8 ft deep. formed
about 90 ft from the 1987 channel. The thalweg elevation of the primary channel has aggraded 0.4 ft.
Cross-section 26 runs east to west traversing the south end of the north pond, about 500 ft south of Cross-
section 25. Cross-section 26 was not reoccupied during the 2002 survey effort. End points were not found
at this cross section but the road surface of Highway 1 was used as a western endpoint.
Between the 1987 and 2011 surveys, the overall marsh-plain is 0.5-1.5 ft higher. With higher aggredation
found along the west side. Like cross-section 25, a distinct channel was observed during the 2011 at the
western end of the transect where no channel was observed in 1987.
4.2.8 Subregion: North Marsh
The North Marsh subregion is characterized predominantly by a pickleweed marsh with some open ponds
located on the northern portion of the marsh. A borrow channel for the southern levee, trail is compose of
fine muds with a distinct sulphur odor. The marshplain elevations of this subregion are relatively stable
with the development of more distinct channels on the west side of the North Marsh while the east side
shows some accretion of the channels. These changes are likely a result of increased tidal flows as a
result of the 1990s reconnection to the North Pond.
Cross section 15 is found along the restored channel connecting the North Marsh and the North Pond
subregions. We did not locate any endpoints on this cross section. This cross section was not surveyed
15
during the 2002 survey. While every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the
documented changes may be due to differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, this marsh shows some variable changes. The central portion of the cross section
between 175 ft and 300 ft have remained relatively stable. The most distinct changes have occurred to the
two channels near the northeast and southwest side of the cross section. The southwest channel has
migrated ~70ft to the northeast and incised ~0.9 ft. The northeast channel thalweg has accreted ~0.6ft
but the adjacent 125ft of marshplain has eroded between 1.6 2.6 ft. Some of these changes may be due
to slight misalignments with the historic cross section.
Cross section 27 runs north and south along the western portion of the North Marsh. We did not locate
any endpoints on this cross section. This cross section was not surveyed during the 2002 survey. While
every effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the documented changes may be due to
differences in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, this marsh plain elevation has remained relatively constant. The most distinct
changes have occurred to the two channels near the north and south side of the cross section. In both
instances the channel has become more defined and eroded. The south channel thalweg has incised 1.75 ft
while the northern channel has incised 1 ft.
Cross section 28 runs north and south along the eastern portion of the North Marsh. We did not locate any
endpoints on this cross section. This cross section was not surveyed during the 2002 survey. While every
effort was made to recover historic endpoints, some of the documented changes may be due to differences
in survey line alignments.
Between 1987 and 2011, this marsh plain elevation has remained relatively constant. Some leveling
across the entire marshplain is evident. The most distinct changes have occurred to the two channels near
the north and south side of the cross section. In both instances the channel has accreted. The south
channel thalweg has aggraded 0.7 ft while the northern channel has incised 1.1 ft.
4.3 THALWEG CHANGES
A thalweg transect was constructed by plotting the deepest point at each cross section from the lagoon
and Pescadero and Butano creeks against the distance from Cross Section 1. To compare the two creeks,
Figure 5 shows Pescadero as a solid line and Butano as a dashed line. The lagoon thalweg is dotted and
to the left.
The thalweg of the channel through the Pescadero Lagoon subregion shows significant aggradation over
time with the deepest portion of the lagoon in 1987 and 2002 located at the same point near Cross section
5 which has migrated upstream to Cross section 6 in the 2011 survey.
16
The thalweg of the channel through the Butano Creek subregion shows that between 1987 and 2011, there
has been a steepening of the thalweg (longitudinal) profile with lowering of the downstream portion of
Butano creek closer to the confluence and an increase in thalweg elevation as one moves upstream.
The thalweg of the channel through Pescadero Creek subregion shows that between 1987 and 2011, there
has been and near uniform rise of about 0.4 ft in the thalweg elevations along the entire channel.
4.4 TIDAL PRISM
Tidal prism calculations from the 1990 PWA report use a low tide of -0.32 ft NAVD (-3 ft NGVD) to a
moderately high tide of 5.68 ft NAVD (3 ft NGVD) to represent the potential tidal prism. The report also
assumes that the sill limits drainage to 2.68 ft NAVD (0 ft NGVD) for calculating the effective tidal
prism. These values were used in the current analysis for consistency with the historic calculation.
Cross-sectional areas below 5.68, 2.68, and -0.32 ft NAVD were found at each transect then multiplied by
the distance between transects to find the volume at each elevation. The volume at -0.32 ft NAVD was
subtracted from the volume at 5.68 ft NAVD to find the potential tidal prism. The volume at 2.68 ft
NAVD was subtracted from the volume at 5.68 ft NAVD to find the effective tidal prism. Table 2
presents the calculated and historic tidal prism values for the site, while Table 3 is broken down by
subregion.
Table 2. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism

Potential Effective
Year TP TP
1854 400 ac-ft 225 ac-ft
1990 94 ac-ft 55 ac-ft
2011 97 ac-ft 60 ac-ft
The historic comparison of the tidal prism shows that the once largely tidal system of the 1850s has been
reduced by around 75%. The restorations of the 1990s restored some of that tidal prism, but marsh
accretion has reduced some of those gains to near pre restoration levels across the study area.
17
Table 3. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism by Subregion
1990
1990 2011 Effective 2011
Potential Potential Tidal Effective
Tidal Prism Tidal Prism Prism Tidal Prism
[ac-ft] [ac-ft] [ac-ft] [ac-ft]
Pescadero Lagoon 33 33 26 27
Pescadero Creek 13 15 11 13
Butano Creek 7 23 7 20
Butano Marsh 5 <1 5 <1
North Pond 27 13 27 13
North Marsh 9 12 9 12
Total 94 97 49* 60*
* Total does not include North Pond or Marsh because neither is tidal.
Note: 1990 values were approximated from Figure 3-8 in the PWA 1990 report.
The largest increases in the tidal prism have occurred along the Butano Creek. The four restoration
projects along Butano creek in the early 1990s has largely increased the tidal prism through the Butano
Creek subregion. The second largest increase has occurred in the North Marsh which shows an additional
tidal prism of 3 ac-ft after the restoration activities between the North Marsh and Pond were completed.
The largest decreases in tidal prism have occurred along the North Pond which was a primary focus of the
1990s restoration but the aggredation of the north pond subregion has reduced this tidal prism by greater
than 50%. The Butano Marsh has also seen a dramatic reduction in tidal prism as a result of marshplain
accretion.
4.5 BENCHMARKS
See Appendix C for descriptions and coordinates of semi-permanent benchmarks.
18
5. LIST OF PREPARERS
This report was prepared by the following ESA PWA staff:
David Revell, Ph.D., Project Manager
Bob Battalio, P.E., Principal, Project Director
Damien Kunz, Field Services Manager
Lindsey Sheehan, Hydrologist
19
6. REFERENCES
PWA (Philip Williams & Associates, Ltd.). 1987. Pescadero Marsh Natural Preserve Survey Report.
California Department of Parks and Recreation, Natural Heritage Section, CA 35 pp.
ESA (Environmental Science Associates). 2002. Butano Creek Cross Sections Survey Report. California
Department of Parks and Recreation, Bay Area District, San Francisco, CA. 13 pp.
ESA (Environmental Science Associates). 2003. Re-Survey of the 1987 Pescadero Marsh Cross Sections
on Pescadero Creek. Department of Parks and Recreation, Bay Area District, San Francisco, CA.
14 pp.
20
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Site Map
Figure 2. Historic Cross section locations - 1987
Figure 3. Map of Benchmarks and Cross sections 2011
Figure 4. Lagoon Water Levels July 2010 to August 2011
Figure 5. Thalweg Changes between 1987 and 2011

(
!
30
(
!
North
(
! 25 Pond
(
!
(
! 26
(
!
(
!
(
!
15
(
!
(
!
1
(
! 27
(
!
(
!
North Marsh
2 3
(
! 28
!
( (
!
(
!
4 (
!
( (
! !
(
! 5
Pescadero 14
(
!
(
! 29
Lagoon 20
!
( (
!
(
!
(
! (!
! (7
6 21
(
! 22
(
!
(
! (
! !
(
(
!
(
!
(
! 8 23
(
!
(
!
Pe
(
!
Delta Marsh
sc
y1
ad
er
Highwa
o
9 !(
Cr
(
!
ee
k
32 !( 33
(
! (
! (
! (
!
10 Butano Creek 31
(!
!(19
(
!
(
!
(
! 11 !(
(
!
North Butano
Marsh
East
Middle Delta Marsh
Butano
Marsh (
!
13
East Butano (
!
(
!
Marsh
18
(
!
Background photography: NAIP, 2006

figure 1
0 250 500
1,000 1,500 Feet
(
! Endpts
Transects
Proj. # 2031.00
Pescadero Marsh Cross-Sections
Pescadero Marsh Site Map
J:\2030_pescadero\2031_pescadero_SiteMap.mxd
Source: PWA 1987
figure 2
Pescadero Marsh Transect and Cross

Section Location Map
ESA Ref# 2031.00
K:\projects\2031-Pescadero_Cross-Sections\Report\FigureX.TransectLoc.doc
30
25
26
PWA BM24
#0#
0 BM23
0PWAPWA
# BM14
PWA BM12 15
#
0
0 2#
0 PWA BM12 old
BM PESCADERO 4 27
1
# 28
#
0 3
PWA BM RIVET 4 PWA BM8
PWA BM16 5 #
0 #
0
PWA BM9
#
0
#
0 29 20 14 #
0PWA BM10 old
PWA BM15
6 7 21 #
0PWA BM10
22
8 23
PWA BM1
0PWA BM7#
# 0
#
0 9
PWA BM2
10 32 33
#
0BM NGS A1240 #
0PWA BM3 31
19
#
0PWA
11
BM4
PWA BM21 #
0PWA BM5
#
0
PWA BM22
13
PWA BM18 18
#
0
PWA BM17 #
0PWA BM19
Background photography: NAIP, 2006

figure 3

Endpts

Transects
#
0 Benchmarks Pescadero Survey
0 500 1,000 2,000 Feet #
0 Historic Benchmarks Benchmarks and Transects
#
0 PWA BM12 old Proj. # 2031.00
J:\2030_pescadero\2031_pescadero_BM&Transects.mxd
Closed inlet-
7.00 lagoon filling
6.00 Likely near

closure
Tides truncated Low beach sill -> increased
5.00 tidal influence
4.00
Elevation ( feet NGVD)
3.00
2.63 MHW
2.00
1.00
0.52 MSL
0.00
-1.00
7/9/2010 8/31/2010 5/13/2011

-2.00
5/1/2010 7/30/2010 10/28/2010 1/26/2011 4/26/2011 7/25/2011 10/23/2011
Time
Notes: fi g u r e 4
Source: ESA PWA Pressure Transducers
Butano Creek Water Level Pescadero Creek Water Level
Pescadero Ck. vs Butano Ck.Water Level Data
Beach Thalweg Elevation
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
Pescadero_Tides_Workup_Master / Water Level Figure ALL (4)

3
1
Elevation (ft NGVD)
-1
-2 1987 Thalweg
2011 Thalweg
Pescadero Lagoon
-3
Pescadero Creek
Butano Creek
-4
0 1000 2000 3000 4000 5000
Distance (ft)
Notes: fi g u r e 5
Source: ESA PWA survey
1987 and 2011 Pescadero and Butano Thalweg

PWA Ref #: 1234.00
Thalweg / Thalweg Figure

LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix A. Beach Profiles
Appendix B. Cross Sections
Appendix C. Benchmarks.
APPENDIX A
Beach Profiles
West East
35
30
25
20
15
10
-5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Distance (feet)
Notes: fi g u r e A-1
Source: ESA PWA Survey
7/9/2010 8/31/2010 11/10/10 5/13/2011 Beach Profile 1, West to East

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PESKY_BeachProfiles_Fieldnotes_v3 / Profile 1 (A-1)

West East
35
30
25
20
15
10
-5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Distance (feet)
7/9/2010 8/31/2010 5/13/2011 Beach Profile 2, West to East

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

West East
35
30
25
Elevattion (feet NGVD)
20
15
10
-5
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350
Distance (feet)
7/9/2010 8/31/2010 11/10/10 5/13/2011 Beach Profile 3, West to East

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

DS US
35
30
25
20
15
10
Scour hole at
bridge
5
-5
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Distance (feet)
7/9/2010 8/31/2010 5/13/2011 Beach Channel Thalweg, Downstream to Upstream

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PESKY_BeachProfiles_Fieldnotes_v3 / Thalweg (A-4)

APPENDIX B
Cross Sections
Left Bank Right Bank
10
6
-2
-4
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Distance (feet)
Notes: fi g u r e B-1
8/13/1987 Survey 1987 Water Surface
5/29/2002 Survey 2002 Water Surface Pescadero Creek XS1, Left Bank to Right Bank
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PescaderoCross-Section_Figures_v2 / Pescadero XS1 Figure

12
10
6
-2
-4
-6
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
8
-2
-4
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
8
-2
-4
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700
Distance (feet)
8/21/1987 Survey 1/12/2011 Survey
Pescadero Creek XS4, Left Bank to Right Bank
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

8
4
-2
-4
-6
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

7
4
-1
-2
-3
-4
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
6
-2
-4
-6
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800
Distance (feet)
8/13/1987 Survey 1/12/2011 Survey
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

10
6
-2
-4
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Distance (feet)
7/24/1987 Survey 5/29/2002 Survey
2002 Water Surface 1/12/2011 Survey Butano Creek XS7, Left Bank to Right Bank
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PescaderoCross-Section_Figures_v2 / Butano XS7 Figure

9
6
-1
-2
0 50 100 150 200 250 300
Distance (feet)
7/24/1987 Survey 11/20/2001 Survey
2001 Water Surface 1/12/2011 Survey Butano Creek XS8, Left Bank to Right Bank
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
8
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
Distance (feet)
11/7/2001 Survey 2001 Water Surface Butano Creek XS9, Left Bank to Right Bank
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

14
12
10
-2
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
8
-2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

12
10
8
-2
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

10
7
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

6
4
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40
Distance (feet)
11/30/2010 Survey Butano Creek XS32, Left Bank to Right Bank

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

6
4
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45
Distance (feet)
11/30/2010 Survey Butano Creek XS33, Left Bank to Right Bank

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

Southwest Northeast
14
12
10
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Distance (feet)
7/24/1987 Survey
East Butano XS13, Southwest to Northeast
8/12/2011 Survey
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

Southwest Northeast
14
12
10
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Distance (feet)
7/23/1987 Survey East Butano XS18, Southwest to Northeast

8/12/2011 Survey
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

10
6
-2
-4
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Distance (feet)
7/22/1987 Survey 1/12/2011 Survey
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

14
12
10
8
-2
-4
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Distance (feet)
7/22/1987 Survey 10/7/2002 Survey
2002 Water Surface 5/13/2011 Survey Pescadero Creek XS14, Left Bank to Right Bank
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

14
12
10
8
-2
-4
-20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160
Distance (feet)
Notes:
Source: ESA PWA Survey fi g u r e B-21
7/22/1987 Survey 10/7/2002 Survey
2002 Water Surface 8/12/2011 Survey
2011 Water Surface ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

14
12
10
-2
0 20 40 60 80 100 120
Distance (feet)
Notes:
fi g u r e B-22
7/22/1987 Survey 10/7/2002 Survey Pescadero Marsh Cross-Sections
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PescaderoCross-Section_Figures_v2 / Pescadero XS22

14
12
10
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90
Distance (feet)
7/22/1987 Survey 10/7/2002 Survey
2011 Water Surface ESA Ref #: DW02031.00
PescaderoCross-Section_Figures_v2 / Pescadero XS23

East West
14
12
10
-2
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Distance (feet)
North Pond XS30, East to West
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

East West
14
12
10
-2
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Distance (feet)
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

East West
14
12
10
-2
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
Distance (feet)
8/21/1987 Survey 7/22/2011 Survey
2011 Water Surface
ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

Northeast Southwest
16
14
12
10
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
Distance (feet)
7/24/1987 Survey 5/13/2011 Survey North Marsh XS15, Northeast to Southwest

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

South North
16
14
12
10
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Distance (feet)
7/23/1987 Survey 5/13/11 Survey North Marsh XS27, South to North

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

South North
12
10
8
0
0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200
Distance (feet)
7/23/1987 Survey 5/13/11 Survey North Marsh XS28, South to North

ESA Ref #: DW02031.00

APPENDIX C
Benchmarks
APPENDIX C - BENCHMARKS
BENCHMARK DESCRIPTIONS
BM 1 Nail into concrete remnant at the terminus of the Authorized Vehicles Only access road above
Butano and Pescadero Marshes. Point is located to the east of the turnaround and south of the trail access.
Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM2 5ft rebar into the Butano levee with a yellow end cap. Point is on the north side of the levee about
30 feet from the east end of the bridge over the confluence of Butano Creek and north Butano Marsh.
Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM3 5 ft rebar into Butano levee with a yellow end cap. Point is on the south side of the levee at the
apex of the first bend in the levee and west of transect 10. Point is signed with a wooden stake with
orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM4 5 ft rebar into Butano levee with a yellow end cap. Point is on the east side of the levee near the
second bend in the levee near transects 19, 31-33. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange
construction paint and marking tape.
BM 5 - 5 ft rebar into Butano levee with a yellow end cap. Point is on the east side of the levee about 300
ft from BM 4 on the opposite side of a small willow tree. Point is signed with a wooden stake with
orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM7 Nail and washer set in the NE corner of the wooden support of the bridge over the confluence of
Butano Creek and north Butano Marsh. Point is signed orange marking tape.
BM8 - 5ft rebar into the Pescadero levee with a yellow end cap. Point is located to the east of the failed
tide gate connecting Pescadero Creek with North Marsh and North Pond. Point is on the south side of the
levee. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM9 5ft rebar into the Pescadero levee with a yellow end cap. Point is located 325 feet east of BM8 on
the north side of the trail with line of sight to BM8. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange
BM10 - 5ft rebar into the Pescadero levee with a yellow end cap. Point is located 650 feet east of BM9
on the north side of the levee. Point is located 18 inches from the NW corner of an interpretative sign
about the San Francisco Garter Snake. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint
and marking tape.
BM11 - 5ft rebar into the Pescadero levee with a yellow end cap. Point is located at an overview of on the
north bank of Pescadero Creek immediately adjacent to an interpretive sign about Turtle Ponds. Point is
signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM12 Magnetic Nail set into the top of the northeast most guardrail support north of the Highway 1
bridge. This was reset following replacement of the guardrail by Caltrans.
BM18 - 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the first dirt turn out west of town
about 15 ft west of the telephone pole on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road. Point is signed with a
wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM18A 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the first dirt turn out west of
town about 1 ft east of the telephone pole on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road. Point was reset to
avoid disturbance from road maintenance crews. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange
BM19 - 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the first dirt turn out west of town
about 10 ft southeast of the Bike Lane sign on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road. Point is signed
with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM 19A - 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the first dirt turn out west of
town about 1 ft north east of the Bike Lane sign on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road. Point was
reset to avoid disturbance from road maintenance crews. Point is signed with a wooden stake with orange
BM 21 - 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the second dirt turn out west of
town about 20 ft west of the telephone pole on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road.
BM22 - 3ft rebar into ground with a yellow end cap. Point is located at the second dirt turn out northwest
of town about 20 ft southeast of the telephone pole on the north east shoulder of Pescadero Road. Point is
signed with a wooden stake with orange construction paint and marking tape.
BM23 -Magnetic Nail and washer set in the NE corner of the wooden support of the new bridge over
North Pond.
BM 24 Magnetic Nail and washer set in the SW corner of the wooden support of the new bridge over
North Pond.
BM PESKY 4 Brass cap in concrete. This benchmark is found on the southwest side of the Highway 1
bridge south of the inlet to the Pacific Ocean. It is adjacent to an interpretative sign on Steelhead Trout
and is marked Calif. Land Survey, Pescadero 4, 1947.
Table 1. Benchmark Coordinates and Elevations
Elevation
Benchmark Easting Northing
[ft NGVD]
PWA BM1 6005809 1923211 60.541
PWA BM2 6006522 1923088 10.107
PWA BM3 6006782 1922606 10.903
PWA BM4 6008117 1922331 10.614
PWA BM5 6008021 1922060 11.203
PWA BM7 6006493 1923107 10.78
PWA BM8 6006822 1924586 13.194
PWA BM9 6007337 1924537 12.034
PWA BM10 6007983 1924311 12.951
PWA BM11 6008388 1924067 12.826
PWA BM12 6005603 1925343 34.686
PWA BM13 6005604 1925342 34.176
PWA BM17 6007937 1919910 16.372
PWA BM18 6007937 1919910 16.359
PWA BM19 6008044 1919735 14.578
PWA BM21 6006189 1921920 39.522
PWA BM22 6006196 1921893 38.977
PWA BM23 6006083 1925984 12.712
PWA BM24 6005964 1925994 13.165
BM NGS A1240 6004951 1922663 50.29
BM PESCADERO 4 6005262 1925131 42.123

2011 Geomorphic Evolution of Pescadero Marsh

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2011 Geomorphic Evolution of Pescadero Marsh

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GEOMORPHIC EVOLUTION OF

PESCADERO MARSH: 1987-2011

Prepared for September 1, 2011

Prepared for September 1, 2011

550 Kearny Street

SUMMARY OF OBSERVATIONS S-1

MANAGEMENT INFORMATION S-2

2.1 TIDAL DATUMS 2

3.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF BENCHMARKS 4

3.2 LAGOON WATER LEVELS 4

3.3 CROSS SECTIONS 4

3.4 THALWEG CHANGES 5

3.5 TIDAL PRISM 5

4.1 LAGOON WATER LEVELS 6

4.2 CROSS SECTION CHANGES 6

4.2.1 Subregion: Pescadero Beach 6

4.2.1.1 Beach Thalweg 7

4.2.1.2 Beach Profile 1 7

4.2.1.3 Beach Profile 2 7

4.2.1.4 Beach Profile 3 7

4.2.3 Subregion: Butano Creek 9

4.2.4 Subregion: Delta Marsh 11

4.2.5 Subregion: East Butano Marsh 12

4.2.7 Subregion: North Pond 14

4.2.8 Subregion: North Marsh 15

4.3 THALWEG CHANGES 16

4.4 TIDAL PRISM 17

Table 1. Tidal Datums at the Presidio, San Francisco, California 2

Table 2. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism 17

Table 3. Pescadero Marsh Tidal Prism by Subregion 18

Figure 1. Site Map

Figure 2. Historic Cross section locations - 1987

Figure 3. Map of Benchmarks and Cross sections 2011

Figure 4. Lagoon Water Levels July 2010 to August 2011

Figure 5. Thalweg Changes between 1987 and 2011

Appendix A. Beach Profiles

Appendix B. Cross Sections

Continue quarterly beach profiles

Continue lagoon water level monitoring

Collect Sediment grain sizes along the respective thalwegs

Expand monitoring of the marshplain elevations

Resurvey the 1987 vegetation surveys

Investigate the sediment management practices of Caltrans along Highway 1

2.1 TIDAL DATUMS

Table 1. Tidal Datums at the Presidio, San Francisco, California

3.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF BENCHMARKS

3.2 LAGOON WATER LEVELS

3.3 CROSS SECTIONS

3.4 THALWEG CHANGES

3.5 TIDAL PRISM

4.1 LAGOON WATER LEVELS

4.2 CROSS SECTION CHANGES

4.2.1 Subregion: Pescadero Beach

4.2.1.2 Beach Profile 1

4.2.1.3 Beach Profile 2

4.2.1.4 Beach Profile 3

4.2.2 Subregion: Pescadero Lagoon

4.2.3 Subregion: Butano Creek

4.2.4 Subregion: Delta Marsh

4.2.5 Subregion: East Butano Marsh

4.2.6 Subregion: Pescadero Creek

4.2.7 Subregion: North Pond

4.2.8 Subregion: North Marsh

4.3 THALWEG CHANGES