*The watershed analysis system established in this chapter is a principal methodology for assessing the effects on fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions of two or more forest practices. Recognizing that it will not be possible to achieve statewide implementation of the analysis process for all WAUs for some time, the board hereby establishes certain interim regulatory measures pending watershed analysis on a given WAU. These measures are designed to ensure use of the best available analysis techniques and existing authorities to protect fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions.

*(1) The department shall continue to use its implementation and enforcement authority to prevent damage to fish, water, and capital improvements of the state or its political subdivisions. See chapter 222-46 WAC.

*(2) The department shall condition the size of clearcut harvest applications in the significant rain-on-snow zone where the department determines, using local evidence, that peak flows have resulted in material damages to public resources. The department may prepare conditioning guidelines to assess and condition applications located in a significant rain-on-snow zone.

(a) Each year not later than August 31, the department shall provide a summary report of actions taken under rain-on-snow conditioning or conditioning guidelines to the appropriate board committee.

(b) Such conditioning authority shall expire upon completion of watershed analysis in a WAU.

(c) Nothing in this section shall require a watershed analysis to develop harvest size recommendations.