The effect of partial and clearcutting on streamflow at Deadhorse Creek, Colorado

Abstract

Two subalpine forest subdrainages of Deadhorse Creek, Colarado, USA were used to demonstrate the comparable impact on water yield of two tree-harvesting practices. Of the 40 ha North Fork subdrainage 36% was clearcut commercially using five-tree height circular openings. In contrast, 40% of the basal area on the 41 ha Unit 8 was removed by partial cutting in the first step of a three-step shelterwood cut. Annual flow and peak flow from the clearcut watershed were increased significantly. The partial cut resulted in a significant increase in total water equivalent in the winter snowpack and an apparent increase in total annual streamflow that was comparable to the clearcut. The timber harvest on the two subdrainages, however, represented only 10% of the total basal area of the larger Deadhorse Creek Watershed in which they are located. Annual flow at the mainstream gage was not significantly increased as a result of harvest.