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| A flood, following the Sanford fire, moved debris into Deep Creek - New oak are already sprouting - Sediment from the fire and flood. |
“The debris that came down here is in the magnitude of a 100 year event,” said Chris Butler, U.S. Forest Service Hydrologist. Chris’ assessment was made after looking at several sections of Deep Creek, devoid of established vegetation, but covered with downed logs and sediment. After the Sanford Fire, two days of heavy rain moved debris into the stream bottom.
“One may even say this is a geological event rather than a hydrological event,” explains Butler. Determining the natural stream channel is difficult, but by looking at soil types and vegetations, hydrologists can get a pretty good idea of where the natural channel and flood plain previously existed. If this is indeed a geological event, new stream dynamics and vegetation structures will soon be visible.
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At first glance, the starkness of the bare stream is depressing, but like the vegetation that is quickly returning, other benefits are soon seen: downed logs will provide additional habitat for insects, fish and birds; the burned canopy and removal of duff will let sunlight in to warm the ground so new seeds can germinate; old dead and dying trees will be replaced by a younger more vigorous generation; and some plant communities may even return to more desired conditions.
Sometimes, however, it is what cannot be immediately seen, that is the real “downfall” of a fire and water event. Much of the sediment transported by the flood will be washed into the Sevier River, and so on down the line. The accumulated effects of sedimentation into the nation’s water supply may be the world’s next global issue.
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Flood 100-year Event
To view a short, 75 second motion video showing the flood event, you can choose from two movie file sizes;
Video Viewing Instructions
Description of video clip
Chris Butler, Hydrologist, examines the sediment currently deposited in Deep Creek. He explains that although the stream is starting to respond, that it still has a long way to go, but he looks forward to coming back next spring to see the changes.
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