Increased Risk of Flash Flooding & Debris Flows
Incident: Central Washington BAER Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation
Released: 10/31/2012
NOAA - The National Weather Service
Wenatchee Complex Fire Burn Area Decision Support Web Page
The National Weather Service, in partnership with local, county, and state officials, have developed a list of weather resources for those affected by the September 2012 Wenatchee Complex wildfires. The threat of Flash Flooding near Mission Creek, No. 1 and No. 2 Canyons above Wenatchee, Highway 97 below the Byrd Canyon Fire, Crum Canyon up the Entiat River, and First Creek above Lake Chelan State Park is extremely high due to the steep terrain in the burned area. Monitor this web page for the most up to date weather information: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/otx/DSS/wenatchee complex/wenatchee complex.php.
Increased risk of flash flooding and debris flowsas a result of the Wenatchee Complex FiresWildfires and Flooding
Floods are the most common and costly natural hazard in the nation. Whether caused by heavy rain, snow melt or thunderstorms, the results of flooding can be devastating. While some floods develop over time, flash floods, particularly common after wildfires, can occur within minutes after the onset of a rainstorm. Even areas that are not traditionally flood prone are at risk due to changes to the landscape caused by fire.
Wenatchee Complex Fires Burn Area
In the aftermath of the Wenatchee Complex Fires near Wenatchee, Washington, locations within, adjacent to, and downhill from the burned areas are more susceptible to flash flooding and debris flows during the extended winter rain events or intense Summer thunderstorms. The Wenatchee Complex Fires burned in several of the areas steep canyons and in steep, mountainous terrain in Chelan and Okanogan Counties. Areas at a high risk of flash flooding and debris flows during rainfall include Mission Creek, No. 1 and No. 2 Canyons above Wenatchee, Highway 97 below the Byrd Canyon Fire, Crum Canyon up the Entiat River, and First Creek above Lake Chelan State Park (Wenatchee Complex Fire Incident Information).
How Can I Be Prepared
In the event of moderate to heavy rainfall, do not wait for a flash flood warning in order to take steps to protect life and property. Thunderstorms that develop over the burned area may begin to produce flash flooding and debris flows before a warning can be issued. If you are in an area vulnerable to flooding and debris flows, plan in advance and move away from the area. There may be very little time to react once the storms and rain start.
