Burn Scars Increase the Risk of Flash Flooding
When you think about wildfires, flooding doesn't really sound like it would be an issue. However, once the fire is gone and all that's left is a burn scar, that area is extremely susceptible to flooding. Big Bags USA® wants to help you understand how wildfires can lead to increase flood risks. Keep reading to learn more about flooding as it relates to the many wildfires we see in the West each year.
Wildfires can have lasting effects on the landscape. Locations downhill and downstream from those burned areas are highly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flow. Rainfall that would normally be absorbed by vegetation will run off extremely quickly after a wildfire. In fact, burned soil can be as water repellent as pavement. As a result, it doesn't take much rain to produce a flash flood in these areas.
In addition to the increased risk of flash flooding, these burn scarred areas are also susceptible to debris flow. As water runs downhill through the burned areas, it can create major erosion and pick up large amounts of ash, sand, silt, rocks and burned vegetation. The force of rushing water filled with this debris can damage or even destroy culverts, bridges, roadways and buildings that are even miles away from the burned areas.
California and Arizona are two areas that tend to have quite a few wildfires. With El Niño promising a rainy season this year, parts of the West are at an increased risk of flooding, especially in those areas near wildfire burn scars. Watersheds burned by the Sierra Fire in Orange County, California are susceptible to flash floods and debris flows during rainstorms. Drainageways in Featherly Regional Park, stream crossings on State Highways 91 and 241 and Gypsum Canyon Road, and Santiago Reservoir could be impacted by these events. A short period of moderate rainfall on the burned watersheds can lead to flash floods and debris flows. Other areas of California and Arizona that have suffered from wildfires in the past will continue to be at an increased flood risk until new vegetation has the opportunity to grow there.
In the event of heavy rainfall, don't wait for a flash flood warning to take steps of protection. Storms developing over a burned area may begin to produce flash flooding before there's time to issue a warning. If you're in an area vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flow, plan in advance an evacuation method. You can also protect your property by investing in a product like Big Bags USA® flood barriers.
Big Bags USA® flood barriers provide lightning fast flood protection at a fraction of the cost. The 6 mm thick polypropylene makes our product extra durable. They have been field tested to protect against moving logs, as well as ice jams. Plus they're rated for over 2,200 hours of direct sunlight. Our sand-filled demonstration systems displayed outside of the factory remain uncompromised after 10 years of exposure to the elements. Indoor shelf life is rated at over 50 years. Try to find another flood control product that stands the test of time as well as Big Bags USA®.
Flooding in Wildfire Burned Areas
Wildfires can have lasting effects on the landscape. Locations downhill and downstream from those burned areas are highly susceptible to flash flooding and debris flow. Rainfall that would normally be absorbed by vegetation will run off extremely quickly after a wildfire. In fact, burned soil can be as water repellent as pavement. As a result, it doesn't take much rain to produce a flash flood in these areas.
Debris Flow in Wildfire Burned Areas
In addition to the increased risk of flash flooding, these burn scarred areas are also susceptible to debris flow. As water runs downhill through the burned areas, it can create major erosion and pick up large amounts of ash, sand, silt, rocks and burned vegetation. The force of rushing water filled with this debris can damage or even destroy culverts, bridges, roadways and buildings that are even miles away from the burned areas.
How Burn Scars Will Affect Flooding in California & Arizona
California and Arizona are two areas that tend to have quite a few wildfires. With El Niño promising a rainy season this year, parts of the West are at an increased risk of flooding, especially in those areas near wildfire burn scars. Watersheds burned by the Sierra Fire in Orange County, California are susceptible to flash floods and debris flows during rainstorms. Drainageways in Featherly Regional Park, stream crossings on State Highways 91 and 241 and Gypsum Canyon Road, and Santiago Reservoir could be impacted by these events. A short period of moderate rainfall on the burned watersheds can lead to flash floods and debris flows. Other areas of California and Arizona that have suffered from wildfires in the past will continue to be at an increased flood risk until new vegetation has the opportunity to grow there.
How to Be Prepared for Flooding & Debris Flow
In the event of heavy rainfall, don't wait for a flash flood warning to take steps of protection. Storms developing over a burned area may begin to produce flash flooding before there's time to issue a warning. If you're in an area vulnerable to flash flooding and debris flow, plan in advance an evacuation method. You can also protect your property by investing in a product like Big Bags USA® flood barriers.
Big Bags USA® Flood Barriers
Big Bags USA® flood barriers provide lightning fast flood protection at a fraction of the cost. The 6 mm thick polypropylene makes our product extra durable. They have been field tested to protect against moving logs, as well as ice jams. Plus they're rated for over 2,200 hours of direct sunlight. Our sand-filled demonstration systems displayed outside of the factory remain uncompromised after 10 years of exposure to the elements. Indoor shelf life is rated at over 50 years. Try to find another flood control product that stands the test of time as well as Big Bags USA®.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
If you have an immediate need for our systems, or have any questions for us, please Call us Toll Free at 1-800-337-0537 or visit www.BigBagsUSA.com.
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