ARS | Publication request: HYDROLOGIC IMPACTS OF FIRE ON THE BOISE FRONT

Submitted to: Proceedings of the Biennial Watershed Management Conference
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 15, 2000
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The Eighth Street fire affected the capacity of soils to absorb water from precipitation, and consequently affected soil erodibility across the Boise Front. South-facing slopes had the lowest infiltration and showed the highest rates of erosion following the fire. Two years following the fire, ground cover had not yet sufficiently recovered to fully protect either the enorth or south slopes from increased runoff and accelerated erosion.

Technical Abstract: The Eighth Street fire had a significant impact on the infiltration capacity and soil erodibility across the Boise Front. South-facing slopes had the lowest infiltration and showed the highest rates of erosion following the fire. Two years following the fire, ground cover had not yet sufficiently recovered to fully protect either the north or south slopes from increased runoff and accelerated erosion. Presented results are consistent with observations made following the September, 1997 thunderstorm where the south-facing slopes had the highest concentration of rills and suffered significant soil losses.