Estimating sediment yield from a forest road network by using a sediment prediction model and GIS techniques

In forest lands, the stream channels receive the highest amount of sediment during road construction activities due to removal of vegetation cover from road surface, cut-slope, fill-slope, and ditch areas. Sediment delivered from a road section to streams causes serious damages on water resources and aquatic life. Performing revegetation in cut-slope and fill-slope reduce sediment yield from a road section; however, road surface and ditch continue to deliver considerable amount of sediment to the streams. Therefore, accurate prediction of sediment yield from existing road network can be very critical. In order to estimate average sediment yield, several sediment prediction models have been developed based on empirical relationships between various road erosion factors. In this study, average annual sediment yield from a road network to streams in a forest watershed was estimated by using the methodology of a GIS-based sediment prediction model, the SEDMODL model. GIS techniques were used to provide required data layers such as topography, streams, roads, geology, and average precipitation. The results indicated that the SEDMODL model integrated with GIS techniques can assist road managers to estimate total sediment yield quickly and effectively. Besides, critical road sections with high sediment yield potential can be identified and the efficiencies of various sediment control measures can be evaluated for these sections.