Does harvest in west slope Douglas-fir increase peak flow in small forest streams?

Jack Rothatcher

Treesearch

Does harvest in west slope Douglas-fir increase peak flow in small forest streams?

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Jack Rothatcher

Year:

1973

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Pacific Northwest Research Station

Source:

Res. Pap. PNW-RP-163. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.

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Download (PDF 2.54 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/30442.pdf

Abstract

Logging in Douglas-fir has only minor effect on major peak streamflows that occur when soils are thoroughly wet. Exceptions are the early fall storms following the dry summers characteristic of the west coast climate. At this time, peak streamflow from unlogged areas may be less than from the harvested area because the soil in the unlogged area is drier and has greater moisture storage capacity than the harvested area. These early fall storms rarely result in major peak streamflow.

Keywords

Logging, stream gauging, Douglas-fir

Citation

Rothatcher, Jack. 1973. Does harvest in west slope Douglas-fir increase peak flow in small forest streams?. Res. Pap. PNW-RP-163. Portland, OR: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Pacific Northwest Research Station.