Pilot Facility-Level Climate Change Adaptation Assessment for Little Indian Creek, California

Abstract

The pilot facility-level climate change adaptation assessment for Little Indian Creek was a climate change adaptation assessment for a culvert conveying Little Indian Creek at the confluence of North Feather Fork in Plumas County, California, U.S. In previous reports, the culvert was found to be potentially vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as snow melt and wildfire. Snowmelt introduces varying runoff patterns throughout the year depending on the size and saturation of the snowpack. Similarly, burn-scarred landscapes following wildfires can significantly enhance flood flows, sediment, and debris in streams and rivers. Extreme flood and debris flows produced from these conditions significantly affect downstream transportation infrastructure, causing damage to bridges, culverts, and roadways. A baseline stormwater management model (SWMM) was composed to understand the watershed hydrology assuming only rainfall precipitation and natural, healed land cover. Subsequent modeling of the independent variables determined the degree of hydrologic change based on project climate stressors and to what degree the infrastructure is affected. The final goal was to identify the most cost-effective adaptation solution that meets all agency and community standards and needs. The Little Indian Creek Culvert Assessment provides a useful pilot, and draft tools and process, to inform similar projects at departments of transportation.