Water Stewardship Information Sources
| Citation | Hudson, R. 2001. Roberts Creek Study Forest: preliminary effects of partial harvesting on peak streamflow in two S6 creeks. Forest Research Extension Note EN-007, Vancouver Forest Region. |
|---|---|
| Organization | FLNRO |
| URL | https://www.for.gov.bc.ca/rco/research/hydroreports/EN007.pdf |
| Abstract/Description or Keywords | This study investigated the effect of partial logging systems on peak flows in small creeks in the Roberts Creek Study Forest. Two partial logging systems were tested: variable retention (VR) and strip shelterwood. The analysis followed the paired watershed approach; paired peak flows in the two treatment creeks are compared with those of the control creek, before and after treatment, to detect changes in peak flow that are attributable to logging. A peak flow is defined as the maximum instantaneous flow resulting from an individual storm. Streamflow data was subjected to regression analysis. Study results indicate that the application of partial logging systems on small creeks results in statistically significant increases in peak flows. The magnitude of the increase is proportional to the forest canopy removed, expressed as a percentage of the watershed area of the creek. The peak flow increases are most consistent for “large” flows above a return interval of 0.5 years. The VR treatment results in a large variability in its effect on peak flow compared with the strip shelterwood treatment. Although there is not yet enough data to show it statistically, there appears to be a difference between the two treatments that goes beyond the proportion of the canopy that is removed. Strip shelterwood appears to result in less extreme increases in peak flows compared with VR treatment, especially with regard to rainon-snow conditions. The study results provide evidence to support the use of strip shelterwood or other patch treatments as a means of mitigating against large changes in peak flow, and helping to control the variability of peak flow increases due to rain-on-snow conditions. Although the study was carried out on S6 creeks, the results are relevant to larger creeks such as S2 and S3. |
| Information Type | report |
| Regional Watershed | sunshine coast |
| Sub-watershed if known | Roberts Creek |
| Aquifer # | |
| Comments | |
| Project status | complete |
| Contact Name | |
| Contact Email |