Study shows clear-cut logging affects flood risk in B.C.<\/p>\n
Published 3:34 pm Wednesday, July 29, 2026<\/p>\n
A University of British Columbia professor says a recent study near Summerland shows forest practices are resulting in more frequent and more intense flooding.<\/p>\n
Younes Alila, a professor with the Department of Forest Resources Management at the university, studied the forest area near Summerland, along with Spencer Pearson-Atkins and Xu Jian (Joe) Yu, also from the university.<\/p>\n
Their recent study found clear-cut logging can increase the risk of flooding.<\/p>\n
Alila, who has been studying flooding since 1996, said the area near Summerland has been indiscriminately logged over the years.<\/p>\n
Because of the logging practices used, flooding is becoming more severe.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe floods are becoming more and more frequent,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He explained that the trees in a forest provide a canopy, blocking snow. After heavy logging, that canopy is gone and as a result, the soil becomes wetter.<\/p>\n
Logging also results in snow melting earlier, affecting the flow of water.<\/p>\n
He said flood events that occurred once in 50 years are now being seen once every five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat is extremely harsh for downstream communities,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Intense logging practices can also result in increased risks of droughts, Alila added.<\/p>\n
\u201cClear-cut logging is a disturbance of the forest,\u201d he said. \u201cThe vegetation cover is one of the most powerful protections against flooding and droughts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Logging practices have been affecting the entire province, Alila said.<\/p>\n