Equations for Predicting Uncompacted Crown Ratio Based on Compacted Crown Ratio and Tree Attributes

Abstract

Abstract Equations to predict uncompacted crown ratio as a function of compacted crown ratio, tree diameter, and tree height are developed for the main tree species in Oregon, Washington, and California using data from the Forest Health Monitoring Program, USDA Forest Service. The uncompacted crown ratio was modeled with a logistic function and fitted using weighted, nonlinear regression. The models were evaluated using cross-validation. Mean squared error of predicted uncompacted crown ratio was between 0.1 and 0.15, overall bias was negligible, and correlation between the predicted and observed uncompacted crown ratio was high for most species. The sensitivity of crown fire risk to crown ratio estimation method was evaluated using the Fire and Fuels Extension of the Forest Vegetation Simulator. Torching index, an estimate of the wind speed needed for a crown fire to develop, was significantly greater when compacted crown ratio was used instead of uncompacted crown ratio. The close agreement in torching indices simulated using predicted and observed uncompacted crown ratio provides further evidence of the utility of the models developed in this study. West. J. Appl. For. 19(4):260–267.