Discussion of Post-Fire Runoff and Debris Flow Generation

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Discussion of Post-fire runoff and Debris Flow Generation Don Lindsay, CEG, GE [email protected] California Geological Survey Focus of Talk Post-fire effects: Hydrology and sediment bulking Erosion-induced debris flows Current Research Project, 2018 Carr Fire Overview Preliminary Results Questions Post-Fire Effects Post-Fire Effects Adapted from Hyde et al., 2014 Runoff Hydrograph Post fire Pre fire Increased flows and sediment bulking can be accounted for by: Increasing the runoff coefficient, C, and decreasing the time of concentration, Tc. (Rational method) • http://forest.moscowfsl.wsu.edu/BAERTOOLS/ROADTRT/Peakfl ow/ Applying a bulking factor based on burn severity. Often ranges from 1.1 to 1.5, but could go higher depending site-specific geomorphologic and hydrologic conditions. FEMA reports a factor as high as 2.6. • http://www.asce- sbriv.org/sw_committee/documents/Bulking_Factor_Study%20_ Final_Report_6_24_11.pdf 2018 Carr Fire WERT report Ave. = 1.8 2018 Camp Fire WERT report Ave. = 1.2 2018 Holy Fire 2018 Holy Fire Erosion-induced Debris Flows Montecito, CA 2017/2018 Thomas Fire 2018 Carr Fire 2018 Camp Fire https://landslides.usgs.gov/hazards/postfire_debrisflow/ Staley et al., 2017 Carr Fire Research Project Paige Boulder Creek 12-7-18 Boulder Creek 12-7-18 3-5-19 3-6-19 4-6-19 Paige Boulder Creek 15 min. 1-yr RI rain 50-yr RI flow 5-yr RI flow 2-yr RI flow =13 cms 3.9<MP<5* MP = post-fire multiplier 2.6<MP<3.5 2<MP<3 1.2<MP<2 * I30 rainfall on 4/5/19 was close to a 5-yr RI event, thus the MP based on a 5-yr flow could be as low as 2.2 2018 Carr Fire Experienced rainfall intensities ~3.5 times modelled value 10-5-18 11-28-18 12-20-18 3-29-19 Conclusion Preliminary results suggest that in areas with similar physiographic and climatic conditions as those present in the Carr Fire, we could expect: Post-fire bulking multipliers in excess of 2, and can range between 2.5 and 5 for 2-year RI events; and Post-fire debris flow triggering thresholds may be increased over modelled predictions. However, additional testing is required prior to implementation. Based on preliminary observations, these findings appear applicable to the Camp Fire. Thank You! Questions?.

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