Initial effects of clearcut logging on size and timing of peak flows in a small watershed in western Oregon

Abstract

Size of annual peak flow in a small watershed in western Oregon was reduced 32%, and average delay of all peak flows was nearly 9 hours following clearcut logging. Size of annual peak flows caused by rain with snowmelt was reduced 36%, and peak flows resulting from rain with snowmelt were delayed an average of nearly 12 hours following logging. Changes are attributed mainly to differences in short‐term accumulation and melting of snow. No significant changes were detected in size or timing of peak flows that resulted from rainfall alone.