Eroding streambanks can also contribute sediment
if increased runoff volumes have
altered the physical characteristics
of a stream channel, such as width,
depth, and cross-sectional area, to
the point the stream channel becomes
unstable.
The loss of vegetation that,
prior to the fire, helped hold stream
banks together can also lead to bank
instability and erosion. Increased
sediment loads in surface waters can
affect aquatic habitat, food webs, fish
spawning grounds, and, in severe
cases, can directly cause fish kills.