Predicting landslides related to clearcut logging, northwestern California, U.S.A.

David J. Furbish; Raymond M. Rice

doi:10.2307/3673019

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Predicting landslides related to clearcut logging, northwestern California, U.S.A.

Informally Refereed

Authors:

David J. Furbish, Raymond M. Rice

Year:

1983

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Pacific Southwest Research Station

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2307/3673019

Source:

Mountain Research and Development 3(3): 253-259.

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Abstract

Abstract - Landslides related to clearcut logging are a significant source of erosion in the mountains of northwestern California. Forest managers, therefore, frequently must include assessments of landslide risk in their land-use plans. A quantitative method is needed to predict such risk over large areas of rugged mountainous terrain. From air photographs, data were collected of conditions associated with a sample of logging-related slides and randomly located stable sites. Discriminant analyses were used to develop an equation that distinguishes the two types of sites-slide and non-slide-with 81 percent accuracy. The equation can be used to provide an assessment of risk for undisturbed terrain. Results showed that post-logging failure is most likely to occur near actively scouring streams, just below major convex breaks of slope and within drainage depressions.

Keywords

PSW4351, landslides, hillslopes, erosion, soils, clearcut logging, northwestern California

Citation

Furbish, David J.; Rice, Raymond M. 1983. Predicting landslides related to clearcut logging, northwestern California, U.S.A. Mountain Research and Development 3(3): 253-259.