Wildfire-related floods and debris flows in Montana in 2000 and 2001

Abstract

Following extensive wildfires in summer 2000, Montana experienced flooding and debris flows in three different burned areas: (1) the Bitterroot area in southwestern Montana, (2) the Canyon Ferry area near Helena, and (3) the Ashland area in southeastern Montana. Flooding and debris flows in the Bitterroot study area began with a large, frontal storm in September-October 2000. No precipitation data were available at sites in the burned area. Daily precipitation at one National Weather Service station near the Bitterroot burn area had a recurrence interval of about 10 years. The storm resulted in debris flows and a peak flood discharge on Little Sleeping Child Creek that had a recurrence interval of about 100 years. July