The 1997 flash flood at mount fulufjället, west central sweden: geomorphic and vegetational investigations of stora göljån valley

Abstract

On 30‐31 August 1997, extreme precipitation fell locally over parts of west central Sweden, causing flash floods on the eastern and southern slopes of Mount Fulufjället. Here we report from fieldwork carried out during the first year after the event. A survey map of the Stora Göljån flash flood channel is pre‐sented. The geomorphic effects are described, as well as the general status of the recolonisation of vegetation. The erosional effects of the flash floods were extensive, and included the expansion of stream channels, mass movement, and the almost complete removal of vegetation in broad strips along the water‐courses. Future work is presented in a theoretical context.