How do Atmospheric Rivers and Downslope Winds Affect Wildfire Risk and Water Resources in the Arid Southwest?

The complex mountain and valley chains of the Southwest exert a strong influence on precipitation and wind patterns. Atmospheric rivers deliver some of the most extreme precipitation events to west-southwest-facing slopes of the mountains where strong gusty downslope winds can also spread wildfires. Climate change is making the southwest warmer and dryer resulting in more fire-prone vegetation and more frequent and extreme atmospheric rivers. Understanding this changing system is critical for managing water resources and wildfire in the region. 

This project will study how climate change is impacting precipitation and winds to create fire weather and drive fire spread on heavily vegetated slopes of coastal mountains. We will engage with state and tribal stakeholders to translate science into action on water resource and wildfire management. 

Results from this research will signal locations of high fire risk based on changing atmospheric river and wind conditions which can help managers prioritize locations for fire and water management actions. Other project outcomes include co-produced research articles and presentations, as well as workshops to develop best practices in water and wildfire management.