A brief study of possible streambed elevation changes in the Willamette Basin was made to develop techniques for such analysis and to make a preliminary assessment of the extent of any indicated problems of streambed degradation and their likely causes. Records from 11 gaging stations were subject to a 'specific gage' analysis to detect changes in rating curve characteristics. Supplemental information from flood records, aerial photographs, maps, and other sources was then used to attempt an explanation for any indicated changes in the specific gage curves at each station. Several characteristics which might be shown by specific gage curves were developed from general considerations and compared with the curves at the given sites in order to interpret changes. (Modified author abstract)