Back

Flooding After a Fire

You may be at even greater risk of flooding due to the recent wildfires that have burned across the region. Large-scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions.

Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall, reducing runoff. However, wildfires leave the ground charred, barren and unable to absorb water, creating conditions ripe for flash flooding and mudflow. Flood risk remains significantly higher until vegetation is restored -- up to five years after a wildfire. Flooding after fire is often more severe, as debris and ash left from the fire can form mudflows. As rainwater moves across charred and denuded ground it can also pick up soil and sediment and carry it in a stream of floodwaters. These mudflows can cause significant damage.

For more information, including local emergency contact information, download Flooding After a Fire.

 

Inundaciones después de un incendio

Su casa podría correr un mayor riesgo de inundación debido a los recientes incendios forestales que ardieron en toda la región.  Los incendios forestales a gran escala alteran de forma drástica las condiciones del suelo y el terreno.

Por lo general, la vegetación absorbe la lluvia y esto reduce el deslizamiento de tierra; sin embargo, los incendios dejan el suelo quemado, árido y sin capacidad de absorción, lo que crea las condiciones perfectas para inundaciones y corrientes de lodo repentinas.  El riesgo de inundación se mantiene en niveles altos hasta que la vegetación se recupera, pero esto puede tardar hasta 5 años después de un incendio.  Las inundaciones tras un incendio son, a menudo, mucho más severas ya que los escombros y cenizas del incendio pueden ocasionar avalanchas. A medida que el agua de lluvia se desliza a través del suelo quemado y erosionado, también puede arrastrar tierra y sedimentos junto con la corriente, y estas pueden causar daño significativo.

Para obtener más información, incluida la información de contacto de emergencia local, descargue Inundaciones después de un incendio.

Last Updated: 11/04/2021 02:09 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 18
    Dec 2024
    01:00 PM - 03:00 PM

    Hearing Examiner - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    By Zoom Video Conference or in person
  • 18
    Dec 2024
    06:00 PM - 09:00 PM

    Planning Commission - December 18, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 11
    Dec 2024
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on December 11, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, CM Conference Room 1
  • 04
    Dec 2024
    09:00 AM - 11:00 AM

    Hearing Examiner - December 4, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    Chelan County Administrative Building or zoom
  • 26
    Nov 2024
    09:30 AM - 10:30 AM

    Public Meeting: Public Canvassing Board Meetings

    Posted by: Chelan County Elections

    The Canvassing Board of Chelan County, pursuant to RCW 29A.60.160, will hold public meetings at the dates and times listed below. The meetings of the Canvassing Board are open, public meetings under the applicable provisions of chapter 42.30 RCW, and each meeting shall be continued until the activity for which the meeting is held has been completed.

    Chelan County Auditor’s Office