Culvert Inventory

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Culvert Inventory Application Suite was developed for the collection of culvert and bridge stream crossing data in a standardized manner. Primary objectives include improved hydrologic modeling and identification of road crossings that may be barriers to aquatic organism passage or impact stream channel stability.

Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) and Stream Channel Stability
Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) and Stream Channel Stability

Many species of stream fish and invertebrates require access to a variety of habitats at different times of year and throughout their different life stages.  Road-stream crossings and dams that block the migration of aquatic organisms can negatively impact these species and the health of the entire ecosystem. In addition, many streams rely on uninterrupted movement of sediment during floods to remain stable.  Road-stream crossings that interrupt this process negatively impact habitat and water quality. Undersized culverts are also a safety and road maintenance concern, as they increase the risk of failure during large flood events.

The DNR Stream Crossing Assessment Form provides a means to assess potential impacts of road crossings on AOP and stream channel stability. Primary drivers of impacts are undersized openings (total span of opening < bankfull channel width), perched culverts and culverts without natural stream substrate in the bottom. The form allows for the collection of data on these variables as well as information on the type, size, shape and material of the structure(s). Inventory data entered into the database can then be used to identify impaired systems and prioritize replacement.

The following form is used to assess crossings for aquatic organism passage and impacts to stream channel stability. The asterisked items are the most important and required for use in the assessment and when uploading into the suite. The non-asterisked items give a more complete understanding of the crossings. Forms and instructions can be found here:

Additional information on stream crossing inventory, design and funding

View data
Option 1:  Go to the following website to view the data: https://arcgis.dnr.state.mn.us/faw/culvert_inventory/main.html

Option 2: Download GIS Data through DNR’s Geospatial Commons (click here for Minnesota Geospatial Commons). Approved data is updated weekly as a GIS layer in the MN Geospatial Commons.

Download the Culvert Inventory Application Suite – Fact Sheet

Add or collect data
There are two ways to enter data into the database. Registration is free for both DNR staff and external partners.

The custom web application is designed to have an approval workflow for business data stewards. New data inputs will need to be reviewed and approved prior to being visible on the live map, though the data will be stored in the database as pending.

About hydrologic modeling
The DNR is using hydrologic modeling to improve the accuracy of the watercourse hydrography (stream lines) GIS data.  Hydrologic modeling requires the use of LiDAR derived digital elevation models to determine flow direction. However, LiDAR is unable to collect stream elevation data under road crossings and therefore roads appear as barriers to flow (‘digital dams’).  Inventories of road crossing openings allows for the ‘burning in’ of a stream channel through the road prism to improve hydrologic model accuracy (digital dam breach lines). Improved watercourse data will improve the accuracy and precision of hydrologic run-off modeling resulting in better flood risk assessment, improved watershed management and informed infrastructure development.

Additional hydrologic modeling information

Contacts
For additional information on hydrologic modeling contact:

Rick Moore, LiDAR Data Steward/Coordinator, MNIT at DNR Waters, [email protected], or 507-389-8810

For additional information on AOP and stream stability contact:

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