300 I- 



Figuve 4. — The buildup index for 1968 and 1969. 



Needle Moisture 



The percent moisture content of new pine and fir needles fell from above 200 

 percent (dry weight) in June to about 130 percent by mid-August for 1968 and 1969, 

 although there is an apparent difference in trends between years (figs. 5, 6, 7, and 

 8). However, the mature pine and fir needles began the fire season well below 100 

 percent. In fact, Douglas-fir needles (1 and 2 year) were below 80 percent in June 

 1968. All mature needles appeared to gain moisture during the fire season, reaching 

 levels of 110 to 120 percent. Very little if any gain occurred past mid-August. 



The moisture content trends for 2-year-old pine and fir needles collected during 

 the 1968 fire season were statistically significant. The same is true for: 1-year-old 

 pine, 1968; 2-year-old pine, 1969; and 1-year-old fir, 1969 (Appendixes A, B, C, and D) . 

 Also, the trends for all new needles were statistically significant. 



6 



