Predicting where erosion and geomorphic change is expected due to flooding is valuable for the management of stream corridors as well as for specific project planning and design development. Geomorphic change and subsequent flood hazards include localized streambank erosion, hillslope and terrace failure, reachscale channel widening, sediment deposition and associated loss of channel and floodplain capacity, rapid downstream meander migration, and channel avulsions and braiding. Human encroachments into stream corridors for building such features as roadway and railroad alignments, commercial developments, private residences, and other structures are prime causes for reduced infrastructure resilience and loss of investment.

Where allowed by the valley form, management plans and project designs should provide for sufficient floodplain extent and connectivity to diminish the effects of erosive forces on streambanks, floodplain and terrace surfaces, infrastructure and property, and riparian and aquatic habitats. Yochum et al.(2017) identify unit stream power thresholds for several categories of geomorphic change resulting from the 2013 Colorado Front Range flood; these results are relevant to other semi-arid streams, and are summarized here for use by practitioners. Note that these thresholds are only potentially appropriate for erosion-dominated situations in channels with slopes< 3%.