Hydrologic response to and recovery from differing silvicultural systems in a deciduous forest landscape with seasonal snow cover

•Hydrological response to deciduous forest harvesting in central Ontario is assessed.•Quantitative means of assessing hydrologic recovery to harvesting is developed.•Clearcutting increased runoff via surface and near-surface water pathways.•Hydrologic recovery for all treatments was incomplete 14 years after harvesting.•Value of multiple controls and approaches is highlighted.