Windthrow Along Electrical Distribution Lines in a Rural Setting

Abstract

A blowdown survey was conducted along electrical distribution lines in a rural setting in order to identify the most important variables in estimating blowdown hazard. The variables usually involved in such an estimation did not prove very powerful in explaining blowdown density. In fact, blowdown was more related to the vegetation characteristics, namely size, species and vigour. This can be explained by an overriding effect of those characteristics in poorly managed stands that can be overmature and of low vigour. Specific studies are then needed to include those variables in blowdown hazard assessment.