Influence of Timber Harvest on Rain-On-Snow Runoff: A Mechanism for Cumulative Watershed Effects
Rain-on-snow dominates many geomorphological processes in the Pacific Northwest. Wind-aided transfers of heat to snow during rain-on-snow comprise the largest source of heat for snowmelt during rainfall.␣ Recent field research in western. Oregon and western Washington has shown that timber harvest and thinning can increase both snow accumulation and the wind-aided transfers of heat, resulting in higher rates of water delivery to soil during rain-on-snow conditions.␣ Increased rates of water delivery to soil can lead to higher streamflows and to landslides on marginally stable slopes. Because of the magnitude of increase in water delivery to soils during common rain-on-snow conditions and a hydrologic recovery period that may require 40 years, rain-on-snow runoff is
an important mechanism␣ whereby forest management activities might cumulatively affect water resources.
Credits: Inierdisciplromy Approaches in Hydrology and Hydrogeology American Institute of Hydrology, 1992 Pp. 455-469
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