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| Brooke Shakespeare and Sara Quitsburg search for a monitoring site - U.S. Forest Service personnel look for a previous monitoring site - Hydrologist Chris Butler explains the Deep Creek flood event. |
Luckily for those involved and interested in following the Sanford Fire, pre-fire surveys were conducted in 1994, complete with pictures. Previous biologists recorded the status of Deep Creek by analyzing the riparian areas, taking stream measurements and conducting various surveys. However, technology has changed a lot from 1994 to present, and finding the exact sites visited eight years ago can be difficult.
“I think this is the spot,” says Brooke Shakespeare, a seasonal employee currently attending Southern Utah University. However, after carefully considering area landmarks, the crew decides that this is not the spot that was captured on film in 1994. After another hour of looking, the monitoring site is located. In 95-degree weather, the task is tedious, and oftentimes dangerous. Those involved wear hardhats and are constantly aware of the wind that could bring a burned tree toppling over at any minute.
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Today, more sophisticated methods exist to mark monitoring sites. Permanent stakes are placed in the ground at the exact site, and those surveying wear a “hip chain” to accurately measure the distance to the site, from a given point. All told, three areas along Deep Creek were surveyed, as well as other drainages within the burn area. Student helpers, like Brooke Shakespeare and partner Sara Quitsberg not only help full-time employees complete much needed work, but also gain valuable experience in their chosen fields of study. Maybe 10 years from now, Sara or Brooke, will return with another generation of students, to discuss the effects of a long-forgotten fire. In the meantime, anxious Hydrologists like Chris Butler will have to patiently “wait” to see a complete new picture next spring in Deep Creek! |
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Deep Creek Monitored
To view a short, 45 second motion video showing the search for a monitoring site, you can choose from two movie file sizes;
Video Viewing Instructions
Description of video clip
Hydrologist Chris Butler explains how the hydrology crew will look for a monitoring point, established prior to the Sanford Fire. However, finding it is difficult, because so many landmarks have changed, including the stream channel!
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