The watersheds with the greatest change from reference conditions are Deer, Elk and Trout Creeks, which contain some of the highest human populations. Human caused changes resulted in a change in rankings for soil disturbances. Increased human disturbances due to increased development. Some increased detrimental impacts to soils in areas of construction of roads, etc. Use management direction to minimize extent of new roads.
Horse Creek is the only watershed that is identified as extreme risk.
The watersheds ranked as high or extreme risk have a combination of factors that lead to their ranking. Increasing soil impacts in areas of human development. Catastrophic erosion events associated with large fires such as Buffalo Creek Fire. Extensive soil erosion as evidenced following the Buffalo Creek Fire. Reduce fire risk, minimize new road construction and other human development related impacts.