Debris flows are extremely damaging and dangerous post-fire hazards that can cause significant short- and long-term impacts to rivers and aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and infrastructure. However, they are relatively poorly documented in NSW. High-resolution aerial imagery highlights significant debris flow activity in parts of NSW severely impacted by the 2019/20 Black Summer bushfires, specifically the Tuross, Tumut and Lake Burragorang catchments which were mapped in detail. This inventory of debris flow occurrences was used to train and validate a predictive logistic regression model using key predictor variables slope, fire severity, aridity, geology and soil erodibility. The model outputs can inform assessments of future potential hazards to threatened aquatic species, remote infrastructure such as roads and properties, and drinking water reservoirs and associated infrastructure.

For more information, please read the accompanying report, ‘Post-fire debris flows in NSW: Susceptibility modelling and implications for management’, or check out this link: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/water/estuaries/estuaries-research/bushfire-affected-waterways