Seismic and Geomorphic Characterization of Mass Wasting Events Associated with the 2017 Brian Head Fire

Flash floods and debris flows are among the most important geomorphic agents in rugged topographic terrain. They are particularly common after wildfire has denuded hill slopes of vegetation. Unfortunately, flash floods and debris flows are very rapid and often difficult to observe directly particularly when they occur in remote areas. In recent years, efforts have been made to characterize the size and intensity of flash floods and debris flows with high frequency seismic data. The proposed pilot project will deploy modest seismic instrumentation in areas of the 2017 Brian Head fire of south-central Utah determined to be most prone to flash flooding and debris flow movement during the peak 2017 monsoon season.