Emergency Assessment of Post-Fire Debris-Flow Hazards
Dates
Publication Date
2017
Start Date
2013
Citation
U.S. Geological Survey, Landslide Hazards Program, 2017, Emergency Assessment of Post-Fire Debris-Flow Hazards: U.S. Geological Survey, https://doi.org/doi:10.5066/F79K48GC.
Summary
Wildfire can significantly alter the hydrologic response of a watershed to the extent that even modest rainstorms can produce dangerous flash floods and debris flows. The USGS conducts post-fire debris-flow hazard assessments for select fires in the Western U.S. We use geospatial data related to basin morphometry, burn severity, soil properties, and rainfall characteristics to estimate the probability and volume of debris flows that may occur in response to a design storm.
Summary
Wildfire can significantly alter the hydrologic response of a watershed to the extent that even modest rainstorms can produce dangerous flash floods and debris flows. The USGS conducts post-fire debris-flow hazard assessments for select fires in the Western U.S. We use geospatial data related to basin morphometry, burn severity, soil properties, and rainfall characteristics to estimate the probability and volume of debris flows that may occur in response to a design storm.
