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Map: Predicted Debris Flows into Pasadena, L.A. & Other Foothills Communities
Debris flows from the 2003 Old and Grand Prix fires left 16 people dead, according to a post-Station Fire report released yesterday by the USGS. Perhaps, that's one reason to take note of the debris flow areas marked on multiple maps within the report.
"Fast-moving debris flows generated from recently burned areas are particularly dangerous because they can occur in places where flooding or debris flows have not been observed in the past and can be generated in response to very little rainfall," explained the report. "In recently burned areas, rainfall that is normally captured and stored by vegetation can run off almost instantly, causing creeks and drainage areas to flood much sooner during a storm and with more water than is expected under unburned conditions."
Some areas are at more risk than others. "Pacoima Canyon, Big Tujunga Canyon, Arroyo Seco, West Fork of the San Gabriel River, and Devils Canyon were identified as having probabilities of debris-flow occurrence greater than 80 percent," said the report. Those are the areas that could experience 100,000 cubic yards of mud, rocks and vegetation-- enough to cover a football field 60 feet deep--as described yesterday on LAist.
If you live in near areas affected by the Station Fire, taking a gander at this report could be a good use of your time. Find the report here.
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