Understanding the Mudslides in California
In California, and other fire-prone regions, we see a link between wildfires and mudslides. In today's blog, Big Bags USA® dives into these natural disasters so that people better understand why these mudslides are occurring, and what can be done to protect communities from the devastation associated with these mudslides.
In 2017, we saw record breaking wildfires across California. Damage estimates from last year topped $10 billion, and that's before the devastating wildfires tore through Southern California in December. According to the state fire protection agency Cal Fire, wildfires have scorched an average of 202,751 acres for the past 5 years. That number, however, doubled in 2017, with more than 505,900 acres going up in flames. These massive wildfires left hillsides and other slopes burned and scarred. The fires destroyed all vegetation there, vegetation that would have slowed down or blocked some of the mud and debris.
Burned slopes are extremely susceptible to mudslides because hot fires actually change the soil structure of the ground beneath. This causes the ground to repel water more easily, meaning less rainfall is absorbed and more runs off. During heavy rain events, the extra runoff can be so overwhelming that it picks up loose soil, dead vegetation and rocks. Typically, these mudslides, or debris flows, start as smaller flows at various points on a slope. These small flows eventually converge at a streambed, resulting in a massive sludge of water, mud, rocks and vegetation that flows downstream causing devastation. As the water and mud roar down a slope, they quickly gain enough power to sweep up rocks and boulders to carry downhill with them. The resulting mudslide is strong enough to pick up tress, cars and houses. The U.S. Geological Survey studied wildfires and debris flows in Southern California and notes that post-fire debris flows are most common within two years of a fire and are usually triggered by heavy rainfall.
The Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems aren't just for flood protection. They can be used for a variety of different emergency situations, including mudslides. Our barriers have been field tested against moving logs and other debris. The 6 mm thick polypropylene bags are not only strong, but they are flexible. Therefore, they can be deployed on any surface without the need for trenching or leveling. During the cleanup of these mudslides, mud can be dumped into the barriers instead of sand. The barriers can then be used for traffic safety, to keep the mud and debris from sliding into the roadways. They can also be used during future mudslide events to protect buildings and other property subject to possible mudslide damage. Stack the barriers in a pyramid to achieve vertical height if needed. Big Bags USA® is the fastest deployed barrier anywhere, and we're here to help you be prepared for flooding, mudslides and more!
For more information on the Big Bags USA® barrier system and how we can help communities be prepared, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 today. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to all those affected by these devastating mudslides in California.
California Wildfires
In 2017, we saw record breaking wildfires across California. Damage estimates from last year topped $10 billion, and that's before the devastating wildfires tore through Southern California in December. According to the state fire protection agency Cal Fire, wildfires have scorched an average of 202,751 acres for the past 5 years. That number, however, doubled in 2017, with more than 505,900 acres going up in flames. These massive wildfires left hillsides and other slopes burned and scarred. The fires destroyed all vegetation there, vegetation that would have slowed down or blocked some of the mud and debris.
California Mudslides
Burned slopes are extremely susceptible to mudslides because hot fires actually change the soil structure of the ground beneath. This causes the ground to repel water more easily, meaning less rainfall is absorbed and more runs off. During heavy rain events, the extra runoff can be so overwhelming that it picks up loose soil, dead vegetation and rocks. Typically, these mudslides, or debris flows, start as smaller flows at various points on a slope. These small flows eventually converge at a streambed, resulting in a massive sludge of water, mud, rocks and vegetation that flows downstream causing devastation. As the water and mud roar down a slope, they quickly gain enough power to sweep up rocks and boulders to carry downhill with them. The resulting mudslide is strong enough to pick up tress, cars and houses. The U.S. Geological Survey studied wildfires and debris flows in Southern California and notes that post-fire debris flows are most common within two years of a fire and are usually triggered by heavy rainfall.
Mudslide Protection from Big Bags USA®
The Big Bags USA® flood barrier systems aren't just for flood protection. They can be used for a variety of different emergency situations, including mudslides. Our barriers have been field tested against moving logs and other debris. The 6 mm thick polypropylene bags are not only strong, but they are flexible. Therefore, they can be deployed on any surface without the need for trenching or leveling. During the cleanup of these mudslides, mud can be dumped into the barriers instead of sand. The barriers can then be used for traffic safety, to keep the mud and debris from sliding into the roadways. They can also be used during future mudslide events to protect buildings and other property subject to possible mudslide damage. Stack the barriers in a pyramid to achieve vertical height if needed. Big Bags USA® is the fastest deployed barrier anywhere, and we're here to help you be prepared for flooding, mudslides and more!
For more information on the Big Bags USA® barrier system and how we can help communities be prepared, visit our website or give us a call at 1-800-337-0537 today. Our thoughts and prayers are going out to all those affected by these devastating mudslides in California.
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
MADE IN THE USA ~ 100% Manufactured in Missouri ~ BUY AMERICAN
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