Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Amplification of postwildfire peak flow by debris

August 1, 2016

In burned steeplands, the peak depth and discharge of postwildfire runoff can substantially increase from the addition of debris. Yet methods to estimate the increase over water flow are lacking. We quantified the potential amplification of peak stage and discharge using video observations of postwildfire runoff, compiled data on postwildfire peak flow (Qp), and a physically based model. Comparison of flood and debris flow data with similar distributions in drainage area (A) and rainfall intensity (I) showed that the median runoff coefficient (C = Qp/AI) of debris flows is 50 times greater than that of floods. The striking increase in Qp can be explained using a fully predictive model that describes the additional flow resistance caused by the emergence of coarse-grained surge fronts. The model provides estimates of the amplification of peak depth, discharge, and shear stress needed for assessing postwildfire hazards and constraining models of bedrock incision.

Publication Year 2016
Title Amplification of postwildfire peak flow by debris
DOI 10.1002/2016GL069661
Authors Jason W. Kean, Luke McGuire, Francis K. Rengers, Joel B. Smith, Dennis M. Staley
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Geophysical Research Letters
Index ID 70184982
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Geologic Hazards Science Center