The characteristics of woody debris and sediment distribution in headwater streams, southeastern Alaska

Large woody debris (LWD), fine woody debris (FWD), fine organic debris (FOD), and sediment deposition were measured in 15 steep headwater streams with five management and disturbance regimes. Clear-cut channels logged in 1995 contained large accumulations of logging residue that initially provided sites for sediment storage. Half of the LWD in clear-cut channels was recruited during and immediately after logging. Woody debris from logging activities remains in young growth conifer channels 37 years after logging. Numbers of LWD in clear-cut and young conifer channels were significantly higher than in old-growth channels, although numbers of FWD pieces were not significantly different because of higher recruitment from oldgrowth stands. Channels that experienced recent (1979 and (or) 1993) and earlier (1961 and (or) 1979) scour and runout of landslides and debris flows contained less LWD and FWD, although large volumes of LWD and FWD were found in deposition zones. The volumes of sediment stored in young alder and recent landslide channels were higher than in the other channels. Because of the recruitment of LWD and FWD from young alder stands, the ratio of sediment stored behind woody debris to total sediment volume was higher in young alder channels compared with recent landslide channels. Numbers of LWD and FWD pieces in all streams were significantly correlated with the volumes of sediment stored behind woody debris. Timber harvesting and soil mass movement influence the recruitment, distribution, and accumulation of woody debris in headwater streams; this modifies sediment storage and transport in headwater channels.