
The measured velocity in an open channel will always vary across the channel section because of friction along the boundary. Neither is this velocity distribution usually axisymmetric (as it is in pipe flow) due to the existence of the free surface. It might be expected to find the maximum velocity at the free surface where the shear force is zero but this is not the case. The maximum velocity is usually found just below the surface. The explanation for this is the presence of secondary currents which are circulating from the boundaries towards the section centre and resistance at the air/water interface. These have been found in both laboratory measurements and 3d numerical simulation of turbulence.
The figure below shows some typical velocity...