Theses and Dissertations
ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8586-6177
Advisor
Ramirez-Avila, John J.
Committee Member
Ryder, Jodi L.
Committee Member
Lynn, Thomas J.
Date of Degree
5-16-2025
Original embargo terms
Embargo 1 year
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Civil Engineering
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
James Worth Bagley College of Engineering
Department
Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Abstract
Wildfires are essential processes for certain ecosystems but are increasing in severity and occurrence. These increases are negatively changing hydrology. Anticipating the hydrologic changes is necessary for management of effected watersheds, infrastructure, and downstream users. This study hypothesized land cover changes post-fire would increase water temperature and discharge in burned watersheds located in the Willamette Basin. This study (1) evaluated the change in estimated curve numbers (CN) from land cover pre-fire and post-fire to assess expected runoff impacts in watersheds, and (2) identified the significance of actual water temperature and discharge changes using non-parametric statistical analysis. An unburned watershed and regional air temperatures were also analyzed to highlight any climatic induced fluctuations. Statistically significant changes were detected in both burned and unburned watersheds, even though the burned watersheds had the greatest changes in CNs. These indicated that wildfire and climatic influences induced complex hydrologic responses.
Sponsorship (Optional)
USACE Post-Wildfire Research and Development Program, Water Quality and Ecology Work Unit
Recommended Citation
Inman, Kathleen E., "Wildfire Hydrologic Impacts" (2025). Theses and Dissertations. 6506.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/6506
