Depth of Cover Surveys

Whether it’s a complex river crossing or a shallow anomaly in your right-of-way, we locate and report with precision.

understanding the Risk

Adequate depth of cover is the first line of defense for pipeline integrity, especially in dynamic river environments. Natural forces like bed scour, bank migration, and flooding can rapidly alter the cover over your asset, turning a compliant crossing into an exposure risk.

At Geomorphic Solutions, we go beyond simple measurements. We combine precise depth surveys with our geomorphic expertise to help you understand not just where the pipe is today, but how the environment around it is changing

Waterbody Crossing Surveys
Right of Way Surveys

Waterbody Crossing Surveys

River hydrology and geomorphology vary wildly—not just between rivers, but within a single reach. Channel migration, bed scour, and avulsion risks are unique to every location. Because a generic survey cannot accurately capture these dynamic risks, we provide a nuanced, technical assessment tailored to your specific crossing.

With thousands of detailed site assessments performed over the last decade, our seasoned team of geomorphologists efficiently collects the comprehensive data needed to represent your unique risk profile.

Survey-Grade Data Collection

Advanced instrumentation for precise, repeatable results.

Precision Line Locating

We utilize high-fidelity electrical current transmission and precision line-locating equipment to pinpoint the pipeline’s exact vertical and horizontal position.

Hydrographic Mapping

Our teams deploy single and multi-beam echosounders to generate detailed bathymetric models of the riverbed, capturing deep scour pools and channel geometry.

RTK Geolocation

All data is anchored by Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS systems, ensuring millimeter-level accuracy for seamless GIS integration.

Repeatable Controls

We install permanent control points at the site to ensure that future monitoring surveys align perfectly with historical data.

detailed scour & erosion analysis

Not all exposed pipelines are equally vulnerable. We go beyond simply reporting depth to evaluate the frequency and magnitude of pipeline integrity concerns.

Buried Crossings

Active Risk Prediction

We don’t just report current cover. We analyze channel migration and bed scour potential to determine if the pipeline will become exposed during specific flood events, allowing you to mitigate risk before the pipe is ever uncovered.

exposed crossings

Suspension Prediction

For pipes with exposures, we evaluate the threat of physical damage from bed load transport and debris impact. We analyze local flow dynamics to determine if the exposure is static, or if active scour and erosion will drive it toward a critical unsupported span.

suspended crossings

Hydraulic Force Calculation

We use hydrologic data to calculate drag and velocity forces on the maximum unsupported span. We compare these forces against the pipeline’s allowable stress values to confirm if the asset can withstand peak flood conditions.

Right of way (Row) Surveys

Maintaining adequate cover along the entire pipeline corridor is critical for regulatory compliance and public safety. Our team conducts comprehensive ROW surveys to verify depth of cover across your easement. We utilize precision pipe locators paired with sub-meter GPS to map the pipeline’s vertical and horizontal position, flagging any areas that fall below DOT specifications or your company’s integrity standards.

Drivers of Cover Loss & Exposure Risk

Agricultural Practices

  • Deep tilling
  • Drain tile installation
  • Terracing & leveling

Surface Erosion

  • Sheet wash
  • Rill & gully formation
  • Headcut migration

Third-Party Encroachment

  • Unauthorized grading
  • Vehicle compaction / rutting
  • Ditch maintenance

explore an example site

Lost Creek >