Saturday, December 20, 2014

Geo 730: December 19, Day 718: Upper Salmon River

At the end of the dry season, this modest stream is barely a trickle. However, according to Wikipedia (see stats box on upper right), the Timberline area receives an average of 45 feet of snow each winter. (Note this is not the amount of snow on the ground at any time; it's total snowfall.) During spring melt, or during warm rain events, such as we're having today, Dec. 20, 2014, this small stream certainly swells to a torrent. Looking at all the loose rubble in and around the water, and noticing that the banks of the canyon are at a consistent angle of repose, it's easy to see how those high water events can lead to debris flows such as we witnessed earlier in the day at the White River Bridge. All this loose stuff is eager to get downhill.

Photo unmodified. October 10, 2012. FlashEarth location.

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