Long-term patterns of sediment production following road construction and logging in the Oregon Caost Range

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Beschta, Robert L.

Source:

Water Resources Research, AGU Publications, Volume 14, Issue 6, p.1011-1016 (1978)

Call Number:

A78BES01IDUS

Keywords:

erosion, logging, patch-cut watershed, road construction, sediment production

Abstract:

Suspended sediment production after road construction, logging, and slash disposal was significantly increased (P = 0.95) on two watersheds in Oregon's Coast Range. A 25% patch-cut watershed showed increases during 3 of 8 posttreatment years. These increases were caused primarily by mass oil erosion from roads. Monthly sediment concentrations before the occurrence of the annual peak flow were increased more than those following the annual peak. Surface erosion from a severe slash burn was the primary cause of increased sediment yields for 5 posttreatment years on a watershed that was 82% clearcut. Monthly sediment concentrations were generally increased throughout the winter runoff period on this watershed. The flushing of suspended sediment in Oregon Coast Range watersheds is apparent from seasonal changes of suspended sediment rating curves.