Erosion, or the movement of exposed land from one place to another by wind or rain, is a natural process that has helped shape the canyonlands of the west. However, accelerated erosion can be destructive, moving unstable, exposed soils quickly into stream and river bottoms. The Deep Creek area will be extremely susceptible to erosion until vegetation begins to recover. The already highly erosive nature of southwestern Utah soils, coupled with intense summer thundershowers, will increase sediment transport in Deep Creek.

As hydrologists and soil specialists factor in both natural and man-caused events, it may be necessary to interfere with natural processes and/or alter current land uses. Reseeding of new vegetation may be needed in those areas where a good soil and seed base has been washed away. In addition, land managers may recommend that the area be left undisturbed or ungrazed for several growing seasons, giving vegetation a chance to reestablish on its own.

Prior to the fire, the Deep Creek area was prone to erosion.