Estimating upslope convective windspeeds for predicting wildland fire behavior

F. A. Albini; D. J. Latham; R. G. Baughmam

Treesearch

Estimating upslope convective windspeeds for predicting wildland fire behavior

Informally Refereed

Authors:

F. A. Albini, D. J. Latham, R. G. Baughmam

Year:

1982

Type:

Research Paper

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Res. Pap. INT-RP-257. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 19 p.

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Download (PDF 1.18 MB): https://research.fs.usda.gov/download/treesearch/65276.pdf

Abstract

A mathematical model for the near-surface flow of air up a sun-heated slope is derived. The model is used to produce tables and graphs for estimating "midflame II windspeeds as needed for predicting wildland fire behavior. The model applies on open or sparsely-forested slopes when there is otherwise no wind, from midday to late afternoon on clear summer days.

Keywords

convective wind, slope wind, midflame windspeed

Citation

Albini, F. A.; Latham, D. J.; Baughmam, R. G. 1982. Estimating upslope convective windspeeds for predicting wildland fire behavior. Res. Pap. INT-RP-257. Ogden, UT: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Intermountain Forest and Range Experiment Station. 19 p.