Muddy waters: Reducing post-fire erosion in an intensifying fire environment

Pete R. Robichaud

Treesearch

Muddy waters: Reducing post-fire erosion in an intensifying fire environment

Informally Refereed

Authors:

Pete R. Robichaud

Year:

2022

Type:

Science Bulletins and Newsletters

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), February 2022. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.

Download (PDF 1.96 MB)

Download (PDF 1.96 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/64799.pdf

Abstract

Wildfire size is increasing and so is the erosion potential, especially within intensified fire environments. Fires such as the record-breaking Colorado Cameron Peak Fire in 2020 are so large, and burn so hot, there is very little, if any vegetation left behind. The soil is left vulnerable and exposed to weather events. Extreme flooding events followed Cameron with a vengeance, causing destruction to natural and manmade features in the Poudre River Corridor, just west of Fort Collins, CO. Erosion increases sediment and wildfire ash in waterways and can cause hazards to people, property, and water supplies.

Keywords

Science You Can Use, SYCU, wildfire, erosion, soil, flooding

Citation

Robichaud, Pete. 2022. Muddy waters: Reducing post-fire erosion in an intensifying fire environment. Science You Can Use (in 5 Minutes), February 2022. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 2 p.