A simple predictive model for velocity and boundary shear stress fields over two-dimensional bedforms of finite amplitude is presented herein, and the results of that model are compared with flume data. The production of a wake due to separation of the flow near the bedform crest and the subsequent interaction of this wake region with a developing nonuniform boundary layer downstream of the flow reattachment point are treated using the method of McLean and Smith (1986). Their model is modified in order to take account of the flow response to short-wavelength obstructions more accurately and to include the effects of wakes from upstream bedforms as these wakes coalesce in the interior. The theory is also extended to include the region between the bedform crest and the reattachment point, thereby providing a spatially complete field of velocity and shear stress. Results of the calculations are found to be in good agreement with laboratory measurements taken over immobile bedforms using a laser-Doppler velocimeter. Our finite amplitude flow model is shown to yield accurate predictions of the fluid dynamical effects ultimately responsible for the morphology of well-developed natural bedforms. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1989