We experienced a loss of trees from the April 2024 winds due to thinning of our trees on our lot. The thinning was not intentional mitigating,, but rather cutting down diseased trees. When the high winds came we lost 14 fir and ponderosa trees that were healthy. They were completely uprooted as they had no support from other trees. We have 8 acres and this thinned area was the only area that was affected by the high winds.

My understanding is that compact forests act as wind breaks and severe thinning of trees increases the high winds that increase the intensity of forest fires. It also opens up the forest floor to increased heat from the sun.