The 2012 Little Bear Fire caused substantial vegetation loss in the Eagle Creek Basin of south-central New Mexico. This loss was expected to alter the localized hydrologic response to precipitation by creating conditions that amplify surface runoff, which might alter the geomorphology of North Fork Eagle Creek, a major tributary to Eagle Creek. To monitor short-term geomorphic change, annual geomorphic surveys of North Fork Eagle Creek were conducted from 2017 to 2021. The surveys measured 14 cross sections, stream gradients, woody debris accumulations, and pools found within the study reach. During the 2017–21 study period, the study reach experienced multiple high-flow events that resulted from both monsoonal rainfall and snowmelt runoff. Comparisons of the cross-section and channel profile data for the repeat geomorphic surveys indicate localized erosion and deposition occurred as a result of the high-flow events but overall study reach geomorphology shower little change through the study period. Additionally, the number of woody debris accumulations and pools increased during the study period. Evidence from the 5-year geomorphic survey indicates that the North Fork Eagle Creek’s geomorphology did not change substantially during the study period. Wildfire severity and frequency within mountainous regions of the Southwest are projected to increase and their effect on fluvial systems remains uncertain; however, continued geomorphic studies can provide informative insight on watershed post-wildfire resiliency and recovery by establishing baselines that can be used in the event of a future severe wildfire within the Eagle Creek Basin.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 2023 |
|---|---|
| Title | Assessment of post-wildfire geomorphic change in the North Fork Eagle Creek stream channel, New Mexico, 2017–21 |
| DOI | 10.3133/sir20235116 |
| Authors | Justin R. Nichols, Shaleene B. Chavarria, Alexander P. Graziano |
| Publication Type | Report |
| Publication Subtype | USGS Numbered Series |
| Series Title | Scientific Investigations Report |
| Series Number | 2023-5116 |
| Index ID | sir20235116 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | New Mexico Water Science Center |
Related Content
Data supporting the 2020 and 2021 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
Data supporting the 2019 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
Data supporting the 2018 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
Data supporting the 2017 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
Related Content
- Data
Data supporting the 2020 and 2021 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains results from the 2020 and 2021 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico. Both geomorphic surveys were conducted by the USGS, in cooperation with the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and are the last set of surveys in a planned series of five annual geomorphic surveys of the stream reach located between the North Fork Eagle CreeData supporting the 2019 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains results from the 2019 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico. The 2019 geomorphic survey was conducted by the USGS, in cooperation with the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and is the third in a planned series of five annual geomorphic surveys of the stream reach located between the North Fork Eagle Creek near Alto, New MexicData supporting the 2018 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains results from the 2018 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico. The 2018 geomorphic survey was conducted by the USGS, in cooperation with the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and is the second in a planned series of five annual geomorphic surveys of the stream reach located between the North Fork Eagle Creek near Alto, New MexiData supporting the 2017 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release contains the results from the 2017 geomorphic survey of North Fork Eagle Creek, New Mexico. The 2017 geomorphic survey was conducted by the USGS, in cooperation with the Village of Ruidoso, New Mexico, and is the first in a planned series of five annual geomorphic surveys of the stream reach located between the North Fork Eagle Creek near Alto, New M - Connect