StreamRiver Template
Delineation
The limit of a perennial STREAM/RIVER is the position of the shoreline when the water is at the
stage that prevails for the greater part of the year.
The limit of an intermittent STREAM/RIVER is the position of the shoreline when the water is at the
stage that prevails when the feature is at or near capacity.
The limit of an ephemeral STREAM/RIVER is the edge of the channel.
The upper limit of STREAM/RIVER is where the feature first becomes evident as a channel.
The limit of STREAM/RIVER where it enters or leaves LAKE/POND is determined by the
conformation of the land.
The limit of STREAM/RIVER where it enters ESTUARY is based on the Tidal Fresh Zone from the
NOAA Coastal Assessment Framework (CAF).
To accommodate variations in the shortest axis of STREAM/RIVER:
If shortest axis of STREAM/RIVER is:
< 0.025" but ≥ 0.01" for a distance < 2.64", and is connected at both ends to a 2-
dimensional STREAM/RIVER, Then STREAM/RIVER is represented as a 2-dimensional
basic feature object.
< 0.025" but ≥ 0.01" for a distance ≥ 2.64", or < 0.01" regardless of distance, and is
connected at both ends to a 2-dimensional STREAM/RIVER, then STREAM/RIVER is
represented as a 1-dimensional basic feature object.
≥ 0.025" but < 0.04" for a distance < 2.64", and is connected at both ends to a 1-
dimensional STREAM/RIVER, then STREAM/RIVER is represented as a 1-dimensional
basic feature object.
≥ 0.025" but < 0.04" for a distance ≥ 2.64", or ≥ 0.04" regardless of distance, and is
connected at both ends to a 1-dimensional STREAM/RIVER, then STREAM/RIVER is
represented as a 2-dimensional basic feature object.
Data Extraction
Capture Conditions
If STREAM/RIVER flows from LAKE/POND or SPRING/SEEP,
Or
If STREAM/RIVER is ≥ 1.25" along the longest axis,
Or
If STREAM/RIVER is perennial and is in an arid region,
Then capture.
Attribute Information
If the water level of STREAM/RIVER is controlled for navigation by DAM/WEIR or GATE
with Gate Type = Lock, then Elevation = (Integer Value), Else Elevation = Not Applicable.
If STREAM/RIVER coincides with LOCK CHAMBER, Then Elevation = Not Applicable.
If STREAM/RIVER is represented as a 2-dimensional basic feature object, Then Positional
Accuracy = Not Applicable.
Source Interpretation Guidelines
All
In arid areas it is difficult to distinguish between narrow intermittent and ephemeral
drains and no distinction will be made. All drainages < 0.025" are collected as 1-
dimensional intermittent streams. Thin drainage in arid areas to appropriately
represent the "wetness" of the area. Rules for thinning intermittent streams in arid
areas will be documented as more information becomes available.
If a portion of STREAM/RIVER flows through SWAMP/MARSH, then select the
appropriate Hydrographic Category according to the definitions given.
Do not capture areal dry washes, arroyos, dry gulches and ephemeral streams as STREAM/RIVER. See WASH.
The minimum size for islands within STREAM/RIVER is 0.03" along the shortest
axis.
If a stream flows in a braided pattern, Then see AREA OF COMPLEX CHANNELS.
Graphic
If STREAM/RIVER flows from SPRING/SEEP, then capture STREAM/RIVER
starting at the center of SPRING/SEEP symbol.
Revision - General
If the headwaters of STREAM/RIVER are closer than 0.5" from a saddle or divide,
then capture STREAM/RIVER starting 0.5" from the saddle or divide.
If image shows lower than average water level, then capture STREAM/RIVER at a
normal pool or average water level by using ancillary sources or evidence of water
marks on images.
If image shows lower than average water level and the average water elevation or normal pool elevation cannot be determined, then capture STREAM/RIVER at the visible edge of the water body.
If image shows higher than average water level, then capture STREAM/RIVER at a
normal pool or average water level by using ancillary sources.
If image shows higher than average water level and the average water elevation or
normal pool elevation cannot be determined, then capture STREAM/RIVER at the
visible edge of the water body.
Revision – Standard
Revision – Limited
Do not add new features. Modify existing features only if there are obvious changes
in the stream channel.
Use ancillary source if Elevation is required.
Value Hydrographic Category by looking at the surrounding drainage.