Dataset
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
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NSW post-fire debris flow susceptibility map

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

Data and Resources

Metadata Summary What is metadata?

Field Value
Language English
Edition 1
Purpose Post-fire management planning
Frequency of change As needed
Keywords HAZARDS-Fire,SOIL-Erosion,WATER-Quality
Field of Research (optional) Post-fire debris flow modelling
Metadata Date 2024-01-10
Date of Asset Creation 2024-01-10
License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0
Geospatial Topic Environment
Extent

Dataset extent

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Temporal Coverage From 2021-03-01
Datum GDA94 / NSW Lambert
Legal Disclaimer Read
Attribution NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water asserts the right to be attributed as author of the original material in the following manner: "© State Government of NSW and NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water 2025"
Groups Natural Hazards Science