Blowdown
Overview
Blowdown refers to trees or large branches that have been toppled or broken by wind or storms and now lie across the landscape, sometimes obstructing trails.
Key points
- Can range from single downed trees to extensive patches of windthrow.
- May require stepping over, going under, or detouring around obstacles where trails are not yet cleared.
- The term describes fallen timber resulting from wind or similar events.
Details
In forested regions, strong winds, storms, or saturated soils can cause trees to fall or break, creating what hikers call blowdown. Trail sections passing through blowdown zones might involve climbing over trunks, ducking under branches, or following informal reroutes until official maintenance occurs. The extent and impact of blowdown vary widely, from isolated logs to large areas of closely spaced fallen trees. The term is descriptive of the event’s outcome on vegetation rather than a specific management status; land managers and trail crews address blowdowns based on priorities, safety, and available resources.
Related topics
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Illustrative hiking footage
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