Experiments were conducted to measure the three-dimensional turbulent flow field, using the acoustic Doppler velocimeter, at a short vertical-wall abutment (ratio of abutment length to approach flow depth less than unity) before and after the development of a scour hole under a clear water scour condition. In the upstream, the presentation of flow field through vectors at vertical sections shows a primary vortex associated with the downflow. In the downstream, the upward flow is comprised of with irregularities owing to the vortex shedding. The flow separation near the bed and within the scour hole is evident from the turbulent kinetic energy distribution. Using Reynolds stresses, the bed shear stresses are calculated. © ASCE.