Threat of mudslides returns to California after devastating fires. How do they work?
5 years, 3 months ago

Threat of mudslides returns to California after devastating fires. How do they work?

LA Times  

A structure sits in a tree in Montecito during the deadly mudslide of January 2018. A Thanksgiving Day storm hit Southern California, bringing heavy rain that could result in mudflows in recent wildfire burn areas. “They’re in this constant battle.” × Animated infographic shows how debris flows and deep-seated landslides happen How do wildfires worsen the mudslide risk? Moments after New Year’s Day began in 1934, a major flood and mudslide came sailing down the La Crescenta Valley, triggered by heavy rains preceded by a fire in the nearby Angeles National Forest. In 2010, the winter after the largest fire in L.A. County history, a debris flow — which one resident described as a “Niagara Falls” — went down La Cañada Flintridge’s northernmost neighborhood when a 10-ton boulder clogged a critical basin, plugging up the drain like a giant stopper.

Water Rain California Landslides Los Angeles County Areas Heavy Southern California Mud Santa Barbara Debris Landslide Kean Heavy Rains Montecito Mudslides Cliffs Burn Areas Shallow Landslide  work  landslides  devastating  mud  california  county  debris  areas  rain  threat  heavy  cliffs  returns  mudslides  water  fires  landslide

History of this topic

Los Angeles fire zones hit by mudslides after heavy rain
1 month, 1 week ago

Los Angeles fire zones hit by mudslides after heavy rain

Raw Story  

Mudslides blocked roads around Los Angeles on Friday after heavy rain pounded areas burned by last month's wildfires, sending denuded hillsides tumbling. Parts of Los Angeles got as much as 2.8 inches of rain in a day, leaving areas flooded and burn scars in Pacific Palisades and Altadena strewn with fire debris and rubble. The torrent of water also washed …

What causes mudslides, what can be done to lessen danger?
1 month, 1 week ago

What causes mudslides, what can be done to lessen danger?

Deccan Chronicle  

Mudslides are dangerous torrents that are usually referred to by geologists and first responders as debris flows. California has worked to add tools to protect against mudslides, including pinpointing hot spots, creating basins and placing nets to capture falling debris before it hits homes. On Jan. 9, 2018, intense rain fell on a weeks-old wildfire burn scar in the mountains …

Los Angeles at high risk of flooding as rain drenches areas ravaged by January wildfires
1 month, 1 week ago

Los Angeles at high risk of flooding as rain drenches areas ravaged by January wildfires

ABC  

Los Angeles locals are preparing for a "high risk" of flooding and landslides following the deadly fires that ripped through the county last month. The bulk of the county is under flash flooding watch with areas affected by the scars of the blaze — which killed at least 29 people — at greater risk of landslides. Hillside areas such as …

Southern California storms: Region dodges worst of mudslide fears as heavy rains move through
1 month, 1 week ago

Southern California storms: Region dodges worst of mudslide fears as heavy rains move through

CNN  

CNN — The most intense rain to hit Southern California in over a year unleashed flooding, debris flows and mudslides that trapped cars and covered roadways, but spared areas burned in devastating wildfires from the catastrophe that was feared. Some evacuation orders remain in the Los Angeles area through Friday afternoon for select residences near burn scar areas, even though …

New data shows Pacific Palisades, Altadena face heightened mudslide risk as storm pounds fire zones
1 month, 1 week ago

New data shows Pacific Palisades, Altadena face heightened mudslide risk as storm pounds fire zones

LA Times  

A car drives past homes lost in the Palisades fire as rain falls over Las Lomas Avenue in Pacific Palisades on Wednesday. In the San Gabriel Valley, where the Eaton fire charred a deadly and devastating path — leveling more than 9,400 structures including many homes — a state report noted that there’s a high likelihood that heavy rain could …

California storms: Heavy rain spurs evacuations near wildfire burn scars
1 month, 1 week ago

California storms: Heavy rain spurs evacuations near wildfire burn scars

CNN  

CNN — Southern Californians evacuated their homes for the second time this year, but this time, it’s for heavy rain and debris flows that threaten new destruction in areas still recovering from last month’s devastating wildfires. Here’s the latest: • Heavy rain drenches California: A powerful, atmospheric river-fueled storm is dumping rain over the state Thursday. • Flood risk extends …

California’s Problem Now Isn’t Fire—It’s Rain
55 years, 2 months ago

California’s Problem Now Isn’t Fire—It’s Rain

Wired  

Southern California’s long overdue rainy season is about to go into overdrive. As much as 3 to 6 inches of rain could fall in the higher elevations of coastal Southern California in the next few days, which the NWS says will create a “high risk of flooding and burn scar debris flows.” By the time this week’s storms are over, …

5 things to know about mudslide risk as major rains hit Los Angeles County
1 month, 1 week ago

5 things to know about mudslide risk as major rains hit Los Angeles County

LA Times  

Crews clear mud and debris along Palisades Drive after rain soaked fire-ravaged hillsides on Jan. 27. Debris flows can hit new areas or return to previous areas; they might be smaller — or larger — the next time. The higher the rainfall rate above that threshold, “that’s where we could get some more appreciable and significant debris flows,” said Ryan …

After devastating fires, California faces threat of landslides. How do they work?
1 month, 2 weeks ago

After devastating fires, California faces threat of landslides. How do they work?

LA Times  

Southern California faces a risk of damaging debris flows this week, as a potentially strong atmospheric river is set to arrive in the region. The higher the rainfall rate above that threshold, “that’s where we could get some more appreciable and significant debris flows,” said Ryan Kittell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Moments into New Year’s …

Were the rains enough to ease Southern California’s fire threat? What we know
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Were the rains enough to ease Southern California’s fire threat? What we know

LA Times  

This week’s rainstorm brought some much needed moisture to Southern California without the mudslides some feared. It would take 2 to 4 inches of rain to comfortably consider the wildfire season over, said Ryan Kittell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Oxnard. What SoCal got Rainfall in Los Angeles County peaked in Porter Ranch, with its three-day rain total hitting …

Rain douses wildfires in Southern California without causing serious mudslides
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Rain douses wildfires in Southern California without causing serious mudslides

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The first significant storm of the season brought snow and downpours to Southern California that doused wildfires and caused some ash and mud to flow across streets in the Los Angeles area on Monday. More than an inch of rain fell in many areas, loosening Los Angeles hillsides burned bare by the recent blaze near the Pacific …

California rains help douse wildfires but risk toxic runoff, mudslides
1 month, 3 weeks ago

California rains help douse wildfires but risk toxic runoff, mudslides

Al Jazeera  

Expert warns of ‘fairly high danger of mud, debris flows’ as crews work to put out final pockets of LA-area blazes. Rains in southern California have raised hopes for firefighters working to douse wildfires that have ravaged Los Angeles and the surrounding areas. “What that means is we have a fairly high danger of mud and debris flows once we …

Risk rises for mudslides around L.A. County fire zones, prepare for worst-case scenario, officials warn
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Risk rises for mudslides around L.A. County fire zones, prepare for worst-case scenario, officials warn

LA Times  

With more rain on the way, officials warned Sunday of an increasing risk for mudslides in Los Angeles County’s burn areas, with a 10% to 20% chance of significant flash flooding and debris flows capable of damaging roads and homes in and around areas devastated by wildfires. “These flash floods and these debris flows could happen in and near or …

Opinion: After the Los Angeles fires stop burning, another grave risk to lives and property looms
2 months ago

Opinion: After the Los Angeles fires stop burning, another grave risk to lives and property looms

LA Times  

The unprecedented firestorm that has devastated so much of Southern California will eventually wind down, possibly with the help of much-needed rain. After a series of deadly and damaging post-fire floods in the 1930s, Southern California invested heavily in infrastructure to contain such flows, specifically large dams and smaller debris basins designed to trap mud and debris hazards before they …

Watch live aerial view of California wildfires as flames continue to rage
2 months, 1 week ago

Watch live aerial view of California wildfires as flames continue to rage

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Watch live aerial view …

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse
6 months, 1 week ago

Southern California is suddenly besieged by fire. Experts say fall will be worse

LA Times  

For the first time in years, Southern California has found itself once again besieged by wildfire. “The odds definitely favor a continuation — and maybe even an escalation — of Southern California fire season over the next couple of months,” said Daniel Swain, a climate scientist with UCLA. “Normally what’s the most damaging and destructive time of the year for …

Hillside erosion worsening in California due to wildfires and intense rain
6 months, 3 weeks ago

Hillside erosion worsening in California due to wildfires and intense rain

LA Times  

Over the last three decades, California has seen increasing erosion after major wildfires — a phenomenon that not only endangers water resources and ecosystems, but is also likely to worsen with climate change, according to researchers. “In Northern California, we really see this huge increase from the first decade to the second to the third to the fourth,” said Helen …

California hit with another storm as state battles flooding and mudslides
1 year, 1 month ago

California hit with another storm as state battles flooding and mudslides

The Independent  

✕ Close Floodwaters rush through Montecito, California on Monday afternoon Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A brutal storm that battered …

Mud and debris are flowing down hillsides across California. What causes the slides?
1 year, 1 month ago

Mud and debris are flowing down hillsides across California. What causes the slides?

The Independent  

The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Commonly called mudslides, these dangerous torrents are usually …

Mud and debris are flowing down hillsides across California. What causes the slides?
1 year, 1 month ago

Mud and debris are flowing down hillsides across California. What causes the slides?

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — When rainstorms like this week’s powerful atmospheric river hit California, the earth begins to move. Commonly called mudslides, these dangerous torrents are usually referred to by geologists and first responders as debris flows, which the U.S. Geological Survey describes as fast-moving landslides capable of exceeding 35 mph. On Jan. 9, 2018, intense rain fell on a weeks-old …

California flooding in pictures as ‘1 in 1000 year’ storm wreaks havoc
1 year, 1 month ago

California flooding in pictures as ‘1 in 1000 year’ storm wreaks havoc

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A historic storm has deluged California over the past three days, bringing record amounts of …

Los Angeles records 475 mudslides during historic storm that has drenched Southern California
1 year, 1 month ago

Los Angeles records 475 mudslides during historic storm that has drenched Southern California

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — One of the wettest storms in Southern California history unleashed at least 475 mudslides in the Los Angeles area after dumping more than half the amount of rainfall the city typically gets in a season in just two days, and officials warned Tuesday that the threat was not over yet. during a rain storm, Monday Feb. 5, …

Deadly storm continues to batter Southern California amid new flood, mudslide fears
1 year, 1 month ago

Deadly storm continues to batter Southern California amid new flood, mudslide fears

LA Times  

Firefighters rescue a woman from a homeless encampment that became surrounded by floodwater in the Santa Ana River in San Bernardino. The National Weather Service said that showers will continue into the evening and that “rainfall rates would likely produce more flooding and the flood watch will continue into this afternoon.” Three people died Sunday in Northern California in separate …

Slow-moving Pacific storm threatens to bring California flooding and mudslides
1 year, 3 months ago

Slow-moving Pacific storm threatens to bring California flooding and mudslides

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Heavy rains drenched parts of California on Wednesday, bringing the threat of flooding and mudslides as millions of people geared up for holiday travel, the National Weather Service said. “I guess buying presents for the holidays is just that important.” At Whiskey & Leather in Montecito, near coastal Santa Barbara northwest of Los Angeles, manager Karina Cota …

Fires, landslides, rising seas: What drives Californians to stay in disaster-prone areas?
1 year, 7 months ago

Fires, landslides, rising seas: What drives Californians to stay in disaster-prone areas?

LA Times  

Owner Scott Tenney looks out at his Bluebird Canyon Farms, which sits on an ancient landslide zone in Laguna Beach’s Bluebird Canyon. Even if experts — and common sense — say to stay away from certain areas, Bokhari said that won’t likely happen because local governments aren’t incentivized to push people out. “Everything was black, scorched earth.” Michael and Lisa …

Things to know about a landslide that has destroyed homes in Southern California
1 year, 8 months ago

Things to know about a landslide that has destroyed homes in Southern California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, who represents the …

500 mudslides, flooded communities, broken bridges: California faces long, costly storm recovery
2 years, 2 months ago

500 mudslides, flooded communities, broken bridges: California faces long, costly storm recovery

LA Times  

A pier in Santa Cruz split in half. The atmospheric river storms that pummeled California for weeks inflicted “extensive” damage to as many as 40 of the state’s 58 counties, and total repairs could reach as much as $1 billion, according to authorities. The storms brought “significant” damage to Merced, Sacramento and Santa Cruz counties, as well as Monterey, Santa …

EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California

Associated Press  

SAN DIEGO — Relentless storms from a series of atmospheric rivers have saturated the steep mountains and bald hillsides scarred from wildfires along much of California’s long coastline, causing hundreds of landslides this month. The most vulnerable areas are hillsides that have burned in the past two to three years with communities below them, said Jeremy Lancaster, who leads the …

EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California
2 years, 2 months ago

EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Relentless storms from a series …

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California
2 years, 4 months ago

Rain, snowfall reduce risk of wildfires in California

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “My sense is it’s certainly …

‘It’s crushing': California cleans up mudslide damage
2 years, 6 months ago

‘It’s crushing': California cleans up mudslide damage

Associated Press  

OAK GLEN, Calif. — Rescuers searched Wednesday for a person missing in a mudslide that swept boulders down fire-scarred slopes and damaged or destroyed 30 homes in the Southern California mountains as firefighters in the northern part of the state tried to contain an explosive week-old blaze. “It’s crushing.” As the search, cleanup and damage assessment continued, firefighters in Northern …

Southern California Mudslides Damage Homes, Carry Away Cars
2 years, 6 months ago

Southern California Mudslides Damage Homes, Carry Away Cars

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING OAK GLEN, Calif. — Cleanup efforts and damage assessments were underway Tuesday east of Los Angeles after heavy rains unleashed mudslides in a mountain area scorched by a wildfire two years ago, sending boulders across roads, carrying away cars and prompting evacuations and shelter-in-place orders. Eric Sherwin, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, said crews …

California weather helps firefighters but unleashes floods
2 years, 6 months ago

California weather helps firefighters but unleashes floods

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Calmer weather in Northern California …

Weather Helping, But Threat From Western Fires Persists
2 years, 6 months ago

Weather Helping, But Threat From Western Fires Persists

Huff Post  

FORESTHILL, CA - SEPTEMBER 10: A general view of flames from the wildfire in Foresthill of California, United States on September 10, 2022. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images FORESTHILL, Calif. — Firefighters made progress against a huge Northern California wildfire that was still growing and threatening thousands of mountain homes on Sunday, while crews also battled major blazes that blanketed …

A Northern California wildfire has injured several people and destroyed homes
2 years, 6 months ago

A Northern California wildfire has injured several people and destroyed homes

NPR  

A Northern California wildfire has injured several people and destroyed homes Enlarge this image toggle caption Hung T. Vu/The Record Searchlight via AP Hung T. Vu/The Record Searchlight via AP WEED, Calif. — Thousands of people remained under evacuation orders Saturday after a wind-whipped wildfire raged through rural Northern California, injuring people and torching an unknown number of homes. Allison …

Southern California brace for mudslides as ‘biggest storm of the year’ barrels in
3 years, 3 months ago

Southern California brace for mudslides as ‘biggest storm of the year’ barrels in

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy California is facing potentially its biggest storm of the year as a powerful weather system …

‘Concurrent disasters’: How California could see more severe mudslides as a result of wildfires
4 years, 1 month ago

‘Concurrent disasters’: How California could see more severe mudslides as a result of wildfires

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The debris flow took place in the burn scar of the Dolan wildfire last August, according to local news …

Monterey mudslides injure resident, damage 25 structures as L.A. braces for heavy rain
4 years, 1 month ago

Monterey mudslides injure resident, damage 25 structures as L.A. braces for heavy rain

LA Times  

A man crosses mud while recovering belongings from a neighbor’s home, which was damaged in a mudslide in Salinas, Calif. The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office issued evacuation orders for the Carmel River Lagoon area Thursday morning after the NWS warned of heavy rains and the potential for a rapid rise of the Carmel River. The Eastern Sierra Avalanche Center warned …

California’s fire, rain and mudslide cycle: How to prepare and stay safe
4 years, 1 month ago

California’s fire, rain and mudslide cycle: How to prepare and stay safe

LA Times  

Residents in Santa Cruz County are under evacuation warnings as heavy rains threaten to cause mudslides in areas scorched during last summer’s wildfires. Atmospheric river storms in California are raising concerns about mudslides and debris flows in areas hit by recent fires. California Photos: Storm brings rain, snow and cold to California A winter storm swept over much of Southern …

Heavy rain headed to Southern California with mudslides possible in burn areas
4 years, 1 month ago

Heavy rain headed to Southern California with mudslides possible in burn areas

LA Times  

An empty stretch of Interstate 5 through Gorman on Wednesday as a series of winter storms rolls through California. A winter storm barreling toward Southern California threatens heavy rainfall that could trigger mudslides and debris flows in vulnerable areas. The Los Angeles area remained dry Wednesday morning, but a few showers could arrive late in the day, with heavy rain …

Editorial: Will California ever learn anything from its wildfires?
5 years, 4 months ago

Editorial: Will California ever learn anything from its wildfires?

LA Times  

To anyone who’s followed the news of wildfires in California in recent years — or this week’s Tick fire — the 200-page report commissioned by Los Angeles County officials on last year’s Woolsey fire will sound terrifyingly familiar. The Woolsey fire, which burned nearly 100,000 acres from Oak Park to Malibu, was bigger, faster and more destructive than anyone expected, …

Floods, mudslides as storm wallops Southern California
6 years, 3 months ago

Floods, mudslides as storm wallops Southern California

India TV News  

LOS ANGELES — The second round of a fall storm dumped snow and rain that jammed traffic on Southern California highways and loosened hillsides in wildfire burn areas on Thursday. Cars and trucks slid in lanes amid heavy snow that forced the closure of Interstate 5 in the Grapevine area between Los Angeles and the San Joaquin Valley. The National …

Fire-scarred California areas escape large-scale rain damage
6 years, 3 months ago

Fire-scarred California areas escape large-scale rain damage

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — A major storm brought localized mudslides and street flooding to California and some people had to be rescued from stranded vehicles, but fire-scarred areas escaped large-scale damage. Water from flash floods receded in Northern California and crews on Friday cleared debris from roads, culverts and levees that flooded in Chico, said Butte County spokeswoman Kelly Hubbard. Debris …

Flooding hits Northern California area scarred by wildfire
6 years, 3 months ago

Flooding hits Northern California area scarred by wildfire

Associated Press  

SAN FRANCISCO — Flash flooding hit a wildfire-scarred area of Northern California on Thursday, forcing officials to deploy swift water rescue teams to save people stuck in vehicles and rescue them from homes after a downpour near the Paradise area. “Everywhere you go you’re talking to people who have lost everything and it’s just tragic,” Word said, jokingly adding, “It …

Why the California wildfires are spreading so quickly
6 years, 4 months ago

Why the California wildfires are spreading so quickly

CNN  

CNN — The three wildfires burning in California are devouring acres of land at a terrifying speed due to strong winds and extremely dry ground conditions created by climate change, authorities say. Here’s why the fires are moving so quickly: Powerful winds In Southern California, the Santa Ana winds pushing the fires are expected to remain strong in Ventura and …

California mudslides: At least 17 killed, thousands evacuated
7 years, 2 months ago

California mudslides: At least 17 killed, thousands evacuated

Al Jazeera  

Torrents of mud overran roads and upscale neighbourhoods in the wake of heavy rains near Santa Barbara. The mudslides were triggered by torrential downpours that unleashed rain on the region, which had already been hit by last month’s mammoth Thomas Fire – the largest wildfire ever recorded in California. Fires clear leaves and decomposing plant debris which would normally soak …

After wildfires, California faces heavy rains and mudslides
7 years, 2 months ago

After wildfires, California faces heavy rains and mudslides

Salon  

California is having a string of bad luck when it comes to natural disasters. Following intense rainfall across the state, mudslides in Santa Barbara county have killed at least 15 people, and left an unknown number injured and/or missing. “Although we knew that this was coming you couldn’t help but be amazed at the intensity of the storm.” The most …

Californians Evacuated Out Of Fear Of Mudslides Where Thomas Fire Scorched Land
7 years, 2 months ago

Californians Evacuated Out Of Fear Of Mudslides Where Thomas Fire Scorched Land

NPR  

Californians Evacuated Out Of Fear Of Mudslides Where Thomas Fire Scorched Land Thousands of Californians have been evacuated from the Santa Barbara area among fears of mudslides after heavy rains hit the hillsides denuded by the enormous Thomas fire. After months of bone-dry conditions, heavy rains fell north of Los Angeles overnight exactly were the state's largest wildfire had recently …

Winter rains bring new wildfire dangers in Southern California
7 years, 10 months ago

Winter rains bring new wildfire dangers in Southern California

LA Times  

Richard Minnich didn’t have to go far on a recent weekday morning to find an immense fire hazard surrounding the resort town of Lake Arrowhead and nearby communities in the San Bernardino Mountains. The problem in places such as the San Bernardino Mountains is that for more than 100 years we’ve tried to eliminate fire as a natural mechanism of …

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