Post-wildfire erosion poses serious threats to ecosystems—especially along vulnerable riverbanks. Rekon delivered a comprehensive topographic and bathymetric model of the Lower Adams River after the 2023 fires, helping engineers assess erosion risks, restore salmon channels, and protect critical habitat.
The Problem
Wildfires in 2023 devastated the forests around the Lower Adams River, leaving slopes vulnerable to erosion and flash floods. This posed a major threat to one of BC’s largest salmon spawning grounds—with 4.5 million sockeye returning annually. Tetra Tech, funded by the Skwlāx te Secwepemcu’lecw (Little Shuswap Lake Band), needed an accurate topographic and bathymetric model to assess erosion risk, protect spawning areas, and potentially re-open old side channels to improve fish habitat.
The Rekon Solution
To support the hydrological study, we deployed a multi-layered mapping solution:
LiDAR: Captured ground surface under dense tree cover
Bathymetry: Surveyed the riverbed to “fill in” elevation data that LiDAR can’t reach underwater
We used a Bathycat USV (Unmanned Survey Vehicle) equipped with a high-precision echo sounder and RTK GPS. The swift current and submerged hazards made the mission difficult—but manual piloting, safety coordination with local experts, and river-running experience kept the mission on track.
Understanding the Site First
2023 wildfires caused vegetation loss, leading to erosion risks
Steep terrain and a fast-moving river with submerged debris
Home to critical salmon spawning areas needing protection
Smart Execution on Water & Land
Mapped 170 hectares with drone-based LiDAR and photogrammetry
Manually piloted USV down 3.5 km of swift, debris-laden river
Partnered with local spotters and river experts for safety
Used Hydromagic to process bathymetry + GNSS into accurate depth models
Integrated data into one comprehensive Bare Earth Model (including riverbed)
What We Delivered
LAZ, DEM, DSM, contours, ortho imagery
Propeller online viewer for 3D interpretation
Full bathymetric point cloud integrated with terrain model
Zoom walk-throughs with engineering teams
The Long-Term Impact
[✓] Enabled erosion risk modeling and mitigation planning