TROUT CREEK
Data were collected from three beaver-mediated reaches on Trout Creek during the summer 2022 field season.

The dataset includes variables for 36 beaver ponds, including location, pond geometry, pond classification, sediment, organic carbon, and water storage, as well as stable isotopes. These measurements were used to calculate volumes and rates of sediment and organic carbon storage in beaver ponds. The dataset also includes radioisotopic activity concentrations for five beaver ponds older than 10 years, sampled at specific depth intervals within sediment cores and from suspended sediment. Channel geometry metrics were collected to characterize incision, connectivity, and erosion in each reach. In addition, metrics used to model and estimate rates of beaver-assisted channel infill via Monte Carlo simulations are included, such as the fraction of time beaver ponds were inundated over a 13-year period and pond longevity along Trout Creek.

Datasheet description:
Pond surveys: Includes geometric, age, sediment, water, and organic carbon storage metrics for each surveyed beaver pond, along with survey sample-point measurements (sediment and water depth, and unique characteristics). Ponds can be joined via the “Pond” field; reaches can be joined via the “Reach” field.

Stable isotopes: Results from sediment sample testing at CU’s Stable Isotope Lab, including fraction by mass of carbon, nitrogen, δ13C, and δ15N. Joinable via “Pond” and “Reach” fields.

Radionuclide data: Activity concentrations of radionuclides at depth intervals within sediment cores and suspended sediment (PS samples) from ponds older than 10 years. Joinable via “Pond” and “Reach” fields.

Geomorphic surveys: RTK GPS coordinates and elevation for cross-section points used to characterize channel and valley-bottom geometry, including descriptions of geomorphic units. Joinable via the “Reach” field.

Channel infill modeling: Includes the fraction of time ponds were inundated (2009–2023) and pond longevity data. Note: “Pond_number” field values in these spreadsheets are unique to each file and cannot be used to join across datasets.

COAL CREEK
Data were collected from three beaver-mediated reaches on Coal Creek during the summer 2022 field season.

The dataset includes variables for nine beaver ponds, including location, pond geometry, pond classification, sediment, organic carbon, water storage, and stable isotopes. The dataset also includes radioisotopic activity concentrations for three beaver ponds older than 10 years, sampled at depth intervals within sediment cores and from suspended sediment.

Datasheet description:
Pond surveys: Includes geometric, age, sediment, water, and organic carbon storage metrics for each surveyed pond, along with individual survey sample-point data. Joinable via the “Pond” and “Reach” fields.

Stable isotopes: Fraction by mass of carbon, nitrogen, δ13C, and δ15N from CU’s Stable Isotope Lab. Joinable via “Pond” and “Reach” fields.

Radionuclide data: Activity concentrations from depth-interval core samples and suspended sediment for ponds older than 10 years. Joinable via “Pond” and “Reach” fields.