The summer flow and water yield response to timber harvest

Abstract

Continuous measurement of streamflow at the Caspar Creek watersheds has led to several analyses of the effects of two harvest methods (selection and clearcut) on summer flows and annual yield. Although all Caspar Creek analyses have indicated an increase in runoff after timber removal, the magnitude and duration of the response depend on the nature and extent of the logging and site preparation, climatic conditions, as well as the definition of the hydrologic parameter at issue. Regression analysis using a calibration period of 1963 to 1971 was used to compare annual yield, summer flow volume, and minimum streamflow between the South Fork (SFC) and the North Fork (NFC) of Caspar Creek for a 35-year period.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the conference on coastal watersheds: the Caspar Creek story. May 6, 1998, Ukiah, California

Citation

Keppeler, Elizabeth T. 1998. The summer flow and water yield response to timber harvest. In: Ziemer, Robert R., technical coordinator. Proceedings of the conference on coastal watersheds: the Caspar Creek story, 6 May 1998; Ukiah, California. General Tech. Rep. PSW GTR-168. Albany, California: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture: 35-43