WARNING! Everyone within and downstream of burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding and debris flows may occur quickly during heavy rain events—be ready to evacuate on short notice. Learn how to prepare at our web page "Post-Wildfire Debris Flows."
Updated October 25, 2021
CAL FIRE and the California Geological Survey deployed Watershed Emergency Response Teams (WERTs) to this year's major burns located in state responsibility areas (Caldor fire, Dixie fire, French fire, and Alisal fire).
To learn how the CGS works with CAL FIRE and others to analyze landslide potential on newly burned landscapes, visit the CalConservation blog: Notes from the Field.
Requests for WERT report information should be directed to CAL FIRE. (CAL FIRE by default provides WERT hazards evaluation reports and maps to affected communities, flood control managers, and emergency managers.)
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Enhanced landslide hazards continue to exist in the 2020 wildfire areas. A typical watershed recovery period after fire is two to five years; but in some areas it can take up to ten years as trees die and roots decay. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
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David Longstreth, senior engineering geologist in California Geological Survey’s (CGS) Forest and Watershed Geology program, is one of many in the field studying burn areas in the Santa Cruz area after the CZU Lightning Complex. He is determining risk communities can expect come rainy season:
California Watershed Emergency Response Teams (WERTs) help communities prepare after wildfire by rapidly documenting and communicating post-fire risks to life and property posed by debris flow, flood, and rock fall hazards. The WERT response is led by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and co-led by the California Geological Survey (Department of Conservation).
WERT objectives are completed in a rapid step-wise manner to achieve the goal of risk reduction. A fundamental step in the WERT process is the identification and characterization of values-at-risk (VARs). VARs are the values or resources at risk of damage or loss by post-wildfire geologic and/or hydrologic hazards. The WERT process utilizes a qualitative approach to evaluate risk to these values, and relies on a combination of modeling and best professional judgment to guide relative risk determination and the development of emergency protection measures. The final step in risk reduction is to communicate the evaluation findings to local jurisdictions responsible for emergency planning and preparedness.
The decision to conduct a WERT response is made by CAL FIRE in coordination with local and federal agencies, and is also based on:
Web page by: California Regional Geologic and Landslide Mapping Program
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