Study: Erosion following wildfire has increased in California since 1984
In a first-of-its-kind study, scientists compiled one year’s worth of soil and sediment erosion quantities occurring after large California wildfires between 1984 and 2021. Scientists found that postfire erosion has accelerated over time, particularly in northern California, likely reflecting both the increase in wildfire in the state and the frequency of wet water years. In addition, scientists found that 57% of postfire erosion by mass occurred upstream of reservoirs. This research helps planners understand the degree to which postfire erosion has impacted watersheds and can inform management actions to minimize the effects of runoff on clean water storage.
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