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Curiosity #7: Wildfire and The Melting Snow
Pop quiz! Let’s test your intuition about melting ice.
- Which melts faster? A block of ice that is:
- 1 foot square
- 1 inch square
- Which melts faster? A block of ice sitting in:
- Direct sunlight
- Deep shade
- Which melts faster? A block of ice wrapped in:
- Shiny white plastic
- Matte black plastic
If you answered B, A, B — congratulations! You’ve mastered the main ways wildfire accelerates snowmelt.
The Missing Shade
When a wildfire destroys the forest canopy, more snow reaches the ground — which sounds like a win. However, without the “umbrella” of tree cover to provide shade, that snow is exposed to the direct, punishing heat of the sun. Just like the block of ice in the sun, it stands no chance of lasting through the spring.
The Black Coating
Wildfire doesn’t just clear trees; it produces massive amounts of carbon (soot and ash). When these dark particles land on snow, they it becomes a giant heat-absorber. Just like wearing a black shirt on a hot day — or wrapping ice in black plastic — this “dirty” snow absorbs the sun’s energy instead of reflecting it, melting up to 57% faster than pristine white snow.
Why Should You Care?
If you live in the Western U.S., the mountain snowpack isn’t just for skiing — it’s your water supply. We rely on the snowpack to build up through the winter, and then slowly melt through the summer.
If the snowpack melts too quickly, we can experience two problems:
- Spring floods: When the snow melts fast, it’s like trying to fill a tea cup with a firehose. Rivers and reservoirs overflow, causing dangerous floods.
- Summer drought: Because the “ice block” melted too early in the spring, the water is long gone by the time the dry, hot months of July and August come around.
In short, the wildfire burns off anything providing shade and covers the ice block in black. As a consequence, it melts quickly, and the water spills across the table. By the time you’re thirsty, it’s all gone.
What can you do?
BEFORE the fire: Learn about and support sustainable forest and water management practices that protect the watershed and balance different needs.
DURING the fire: Stay safe!
AFTER the fire: Heed water usage restrictions and guidelines. Even if you see plenty of water now, there may be much less coming
RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!
Sources
- Wildfire impacts on western United States snowpacks | Frontiers in Water
- Wildfires Are Increasingly Burning California’s Snowy Landscapes and Colliding with Winter Droughts to Shrink California’s Snowpack | Desert Research Institute, February 2023
- Severe Summer Wildfires Are Impacting Western U.S. Mountain Snowpack During Winter and Spring | NOAA February 2023
Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!
Curiosity #6: Meet the Wildfire Party Guests: Ground, Surface, and Crown
Every large gathering needs a mix of personalities: the Shy Wallflower, the Relaxed Socializer, and the Swinging Party Animal.
It turns out, a wildfire has the same three types of guests. And, it takes a mix of all three to throw a truly devastating wildfire party!
The Shy Wallflower: Ground Fire
Like the quiet shy guest who hugs the walls, the Ground Fire creeps along the ground. It munches through the duff — the squishy carpet of decomposing leaves, needles, and other organic materials covering the ground. Ground Fires produce few visible flames and little smoke, but skulk about, sometimes hiding in tree roots and decaying stumps, only to pop up where you least expect it. Even long after the other guests have left.
The Relaxed Socializer: Surface Fire
The Surface Fire is the mixer and mingler. It’s visible and steady — the classic wildfire guest. It stays grounded, dancing with low-level fuels like grasses, leaves, and small bushes. Unlike the Ground Fire, the Surface Fire leaves when it has danced with everyone in close range.
The Swinging Party Animal: Crown Fire
Then there’s the Crown Fire. The Crown Fire grabs everyone’s attention by flaming through the tree tops, literally burning through the roof. It screams “Watch this!” as it “torches” — leaping from the top of one tree to the next. If there’s wind, it’s sure to be featured on the evening news, throwing embers and flaming bits around with wild abandon.
For a Good Wildfire, Invite All Three!
The terrifying one is the Crown Fire, but it’s the Ground Fire that gets the party started, and the Surface Fire that connects them all:
Step 1: The Spark & The Wallflower. A careless spark lands in dried leaves. The quiet Ground Fire sneaks around, smoldering in the duff.
Step 2: The Socializer Arrives. A slight breeze pushes the creeping Ground Fire into dry grasses. Presto! The Surface Fire arrives, burning openly through low brush.
Step 3: The Party Animal Takes the Roof. The Surface Fire finds “ladder fuel” — low branches, bushes, fences, etc. — it can climb to reach the treetops. The Crown Fire ignites, leaping from tree to tree, and spreading the party with wind-tossed embers that, in turn, start new Ground Fires.
As long as there is something to keep any one guest going, the party will continue!
What can you do?
BEFORE the fire: Don’t be the spark that starts a fire — most wildfires are caused by humans. Create breaks in the paths fire might take: Clearing a 5-foot bubble around your house will keep Ground Fires from nesting. Gaps in fences and vegetation can prevent Surface Fires from spreading. Space between tree tops and branches make it harder for Crown Fires to swing from tree to tree.
DURING the fire: Stay alert to fire updates — conditions can change quickly and suddenly. If you are ready to leave at a moment’s notice, but don’t think it’s time to go yet, move flammables such as propane tanks and deck furniture at least 30 feet away from the house.
AFTER the fire: Check for Ground Fires nesting anywhere near your house and around the neighborhood. Report any persistent, localized smoke or steam rising from the ground to the authorities.
RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!
Sources
- A Land Manager’s Guide for Creating Fire-Resistant Forests | Stephen Fitzgerald and Max Bennett, Oregon State University Extension Service
Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!
Curiosity #5: Throwing a few Wrenches into the Water Supply Assembly Line
Loyalsock State Forest, Lycoming County. Broad, cobbled, and fed by many tributary streams, Grays Run meanders between steep slopes before emptying into Lycoming Creek. The wide floodplain along much of the stream eases access for fishing. By Nicholas A. Tonelli (swimming fire sprite added by CCL).
Mother Nature’s water cycle and your local water infrastructure collaborate in a long assembly line to deliver water right to your tap. But did you know that a wildfire can vandalize every step in this process? A wildfire can disrupt your water supply immediately – bye bye reservoir water – and set up for problems in the future – hello, floods!
Here’s the water supply assembly line and the wrenches that wildfire throws into the works.
Step 1: Clouds kick everything off by bringing rain.
However, wildfire smoke can clog clouds with zillions of microscopic water droplets that are lighter than traditional raindrops. These lighter water droplets prefer to float rather than fall, resulting in less rain.
Step 2: Soil absorption collects that precious rain water, storing some and passing some on to underground aquifers.
Along comes a wildfire, giving the soil a serious case of hydrophobia, hampering the soil’s ability to absorb water — it’s like the ground is wearing a giant raincoat! So, when it rains, the water can’t soak in. Instead, it runs off and is wasted in flash floods and debris flows.
Step 3: Trees, grasses and other vegetation shade the ground, keeping the water in the soil from evaporating.
But after a wildfire? Goodbye, vegetation! With no shade, the water evaporates, escaping into thin air instead of going into the water supply system.
Step 4: Lakes, aquifers, and reservoirs collect water from the soil over time.
Only, after a wildfire, the rainwater isn’t soaking into the soil! Instead, it rushes downstream, carrying ash and debris into the lakes and reservoirs, filling them with mud rather than water, decreasing their capacity.
Step 5: Water treatment systems filter out nasty contaminants from the water supply to ensure the water is safe to drink.
Of course, wildfires can attack treatment plants directly, and put them out of commission. More sneakily, though, wildfires can fill the incoming water with gunk from runoff, pollutants from burning cars and structures — even bits of melting pipes from the supply lines themselves. This can gum up the system for days, and even weeks!
Step 6: Finally, a giant network of underground pipes and water mains delivers the clean water to your tap, using electricity to move the water around, and make sure you can shower under comfortable water pressure.
Unfortunately, water delivery pipes — especially plastic — can only take so much heat before melting or breaking. Not ideal! Plus, wildfires often knock out the power grid.
So you see, the wildfire might last a week, but the impact on your water supply can haunt your community for a long time.
What can you do?
BEFORE the fire: Stock up on water. As a rule of thumb, you’ll need at least 1 gallon per person per day (plus what your goldfish and other pets need). If you’re on well-water, be sure your pump has a power source you can rely on if the electricity is out and everything is covered in ash.
DURING the fire: When a wildfire threatens your top priority should be getting away safely. If you’re ready to go, and you feel you have time, see how much water you have stored. Remember, that wildfire heat can easily melt plastic containers, so consider putting water in a cellar or other protected location.
AFTER the fire: If you evacuate, stock up on food and water before returning home. Check on your neighbors to make sure everyone has what they need.
RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!
Sources:
- How do Wildfires Affect the Water Cycle? | Western Fire Chiefs Association
- Wildfire Impacts on Drinking Water | EPA Small Drinking Water Systems Webinar Series, Jul 25, 2023
- Interdependencies Between Wildfire‐Induced Alterations | AGU
Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!
Curiosity #4: Wildfire, Part II: Here Come the Flows!
The flames are out, the firefighters have gone home, the drama is over. Or is it?
If you live downhill or downstream from a wildfire burn area, you have a front-row reservation for the riveting sequel:
🔥 Wildfire, Part II: Here Come the Flows! 🌊
Introducing Heavy Rain!
In our last episode, Evil Wizard Wildfire cursed the burn scar with Hydrophobia. The intense heat forced waxy substances deep into the soil, creating a water-repellent layer—a waxy second skin.
Act 1: Flash Flood Fury!
Enter Heavy Rain. She arrives at the burn scar full of hope, expecting to be embraced and foster new life. But the cursed ground rejects her! Humiliated and furious, she sends water cascading downhill. Within minutes, a flash flood is surging through canyons and down hillsides, headed right for the innocent village below.
Will the villagers, secure in having survived the fire, recognize this new danger?
Act 2: Debris Flow Demolition!
Not satisfied with mere flooding, Heavy Rain combines water with ash and dirt to form a thick heavy sludge. When this still doesn’t break through the hydrophobic barrier, she launches the wet-cement-like mass downhill. With the density of a battering ram, it snaps trees like toothpicks, and sweeps up boulders and everything else in its path. The resulting debris flow hurtles toward the innocent village at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour.
Will the village and all its history escape being carried away?
Act 3: Small, But Mighty Miracles!
As seasons pass, the villagers continue to shore up hillsides and build defensive barriers. Whenever Heavy Rain threatens, they work together to fill sandbags and barricade their homes. After living in fear for five years, they learn that the curse has miraculously been lifted: Hydrophobia is cured!
We finally meet the tiny plants and microbes who worked their secret magic to break down the waxy hydrophobic layer, and make the ground open to water’s embrace once again!
🔥 Wildfire, Part II: Here Come the Flows! 🌊
Showing soon in select watersheds!
What can you do?
BEFORE the fire: Keep drainage channels and culverts clear of debris. Consider flood insurance — standard homeowner policies usually do not cover flood or mudflow damage.
DURING the fire: Do a rain dance — rain will aid firefighting efforts. If rains do come, stay alert to possible flash floods or debris flows from burned-out areas uphill or upstream from you — even if the fire is still burning somewhere.
AFTER the fire: Know your geography. If you are downhill or downstream from steep terrain that recently burned, you are in a flood zone, even if you weren’t before. Identify high ground and evacuation routes that don’t cross low-lying washouts.
RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!
Sources
- Burn Scar Flash Flood & Debris Flow Risks | National Weather Service
- Burned Watershed Geohazards | California Dept. of Conservation
- Flood After Fire | US Army Corps of Engineers
- What should I know about wildfires and debris flows? | U.S. Geological Survey
- Soil Erosion Control after Wildfire | Tom DeGomez, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension
Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!
Curiosity #3: Wildfire, MAW – Master of Alchemical Wizardry, Soil Specialist
Did you know that Wildfires are all NSA (Nature’s School of Alchemy) graduates? Not only can they use heat to transform matter and oxygen into ash and smoke, they can perform amazing transmutation tricks with dirt and soil!
Transmutation #1: Waterproofing dirt
You’d think after a raging wildfire, the ground would be parched and love a good drink of water, right? Wrong. In a twist worthy of a magic trick, a high-intensity fire can actually turn the soil completely waterproof!
Here’s how that happens: Plants are full of natural oils, resins, and waxes. When they burn, these compounds vaporize into a gas. This gas gets pushed down into the soil, away from the heat. As soon as it hits a cooler layer of dirt underground, it condenses and hardens, coating the soil particles in a waxy, water-repellent layer, creating so-called hydrophobic soil. Basically, the ground puts on a raincoat!
Transmutation #2: Slip ‘n Slide
Now, the underground dirt is bone dry and shielded. But the top layer? That gets nice and soggy with a good rain: Muddy top layer meets waxy bottom layer, and … boom, instant Slip ‘n Slide!
Transmutation #3: Shocking Nutrients
When wood and leaves burn, carbon floats away, but minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium stick around. You might think this would be a miracle fertilizer, but it can actually be too much of a good thing. This “nutrient shock” can burn the roots of sensitive native seedlings. Even worse, because there are no plants left to drink up these nutrients, the first rain washes them straight into local streams, causing algal blooms that can choke out fish and contaminate water supplies miles downstream.
Transmutation #4: pH Flip Flop
Have you ever heard of “potash”? It’s an old word for potassium salts, historically made by soaking wood ash in water. Ash is highly alkaline (basic), but forest soils — especially under pines — are usually acidic. One wildfire, and suddenly the soil is a weed-friendly party zone, while native plants get locked out. Nature’s chemistry upended!
What can you do?
BEFORE the fire: Clear defensible space around your home, and use fire-resistant materials and plants in your landscaping, to keep fire from playing in your dirt.
DURING the fire: Beware of walking or driving on dirt in a burned-out area, especially if there’s water from rain or firefighting efforts around that may create sneaky Slip ‘n Slides.
AFTER the fire: Loosen the top 2–6 inches of soil in any burnt areas around your home or garden, breaking up the waxy, water-repellent layer. Consider having garden soil tested for pH levels and alkalinity, and use soil amendments if needed.
RIGHT NOW: Make a donation to help Creative Crisis Leadership turn complex science into simple, life-saving knowledge!
Sources
- How Does Wildfire Affect Soil and Vegetation? | Western Fire Chiefs Association
- How Does Wildfire Impact Soil Health? | Fire Safe Sonoma
- Vahedifard, Farshid, Masood Abdollahi, Ben A. Leshchinsky, Timothy D. Stark, Mojtaba Sadegh, and Amir AghaKouchak. “Interdependencies between wildfire‐induced alterations in soil properties, near‐surface processes, and geohazards.” Earth and Space Science 11, no. 2 (2024): e2023EA003498.
Stay Safe and Be Curious this Holiday Season!