Debris Flow

This project characterizes and measures sediment-related effects of landscape disturbances (such as major storms, drought, or wildfire) and river management. We focus primarily on the U.S. west coast, and our work relates to natural hazards and resource management.

Wildfires can dramatically alter how water moves across the landscape. After a fire, vegetation is removed and soil properties change, reducing the ground’s ability to absorb rainfall. As a result, even modest rainstorms can trigger dangerous flash floods and debris flows in steep burned areas. Postfire debris flows are fast-moving mixtures of water, mud, rocks, and vegetation that can surge...

A summary of recent and past landslides and debris flows caused by rainfall in northern California, and links to current shallow landslide monitoring.