Abandoned channelization works in Beskydian steep streams

The major part of the Moravskoslezské Beskydy Mts. was unaffected by human activities until the 17^th century. Since that times, local forests started to be managed as sources of timber and first villages have been built the valleys. At the turn of 19^th and 20^th century, the first large flood-protective structures had been constructed, which mainly consisted of long stone embankments and check dams. Some of these structures were later not needed and local authorities did not attempt to repair them after damages caused by flood events. We are still able to find their remains in some headwater parts of the mountains. Nowadays, they can act as disconnectivities in lateral sediment flux by abruption of effective hillslope-channel coupling or by contrast, they can serve as sources of coarse (for the most time except extraordinary floods immovable) sediments into stream channels. Nevertheless, their presence clearly documents past vital activities of local people in relatively inaccessible headwater parts of the mountain valleys.      

Long stone embankment, the Slavíč Stream

Remains of check dam, the Slavíč Stream