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BAER Specialists Assess Soil Burn Severity Levels within the Snag Fire perimeter

BAER Hydrologists Tracy Weddle and Connor Gallagher-recently assessed different areas within the Snag Fire perimeter to perform soil burn severity (SBS) surveys to determine whether each area is of a low, moderate, or high classification. 

One area was classified as a low SBS level due to the intact root structure within the upper soil horizon and the tree canopy above the soil was not completely consumed by the Snag Fire.

Another area had a moderate to high SBS level with a high potential for increased watershed response due to a disintegrated soil surface organic matter layer and surface cover in combination with lack of needle cast that usually has the potential to act as protection ground cover mulch. The area’s tree canopy had almost complete consumption by the Snag Fire which is another soil burn severity level indicator.

NOTE: See related photos to this article under the “Photos” Tab on this Boise NF Post-Fire BAER InciWeb page: Idbof Boise Nf Postfire Baer 2024 Information | InciWeb (wildfire.gov). Also see “Related Information” PDF article document containing related article photos below.

BAER SAFETY MESSAGE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains and increased water runoff. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events—be prepared to act. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service: www.weather.gov/boi/.

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