  We use the integrable Kaup-Boussinesq shallow water system, modified by a
small viscous term, to model the formation of an undular bore with a steady
profile. The description is made in terms of the corresponding integrable
Whitham system, also appropriately modified by friction. This is derived in
Riemann variables using a modified finite-gap integration technique for the
AKNS scheme. The Whitham system is then reduced to a simple first-order
differential equation which is integrated numerically to obtain an asymptotic
profile of the undular bore, with the local oscillatory structure described by
the periodic solution of the unperturbed Kaup-Boussinesq system. This solution
of the Whitham equations is shown to be consistent with certain jump conditions
following directly from conservation laws for the original system. A comparison
is made with the recently studied dissipationless case for the same system,
where the undular bore is unsteady.
