Mudslides Threaten California Hillside Communities After Station Fire

Pasadena, CA (AHN) – The U.S. Geological Survey on Tuesday warned that communities at the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains are threatened with mudslides during winter rainstorms as much of the area have been destroyed by wildfires.

The USGS identified the communities facing higher risk of debris flow as those in Big Tujunga Canyon, Pacoima Canyon, Arroyo Seco, West Fork of the San Gabriel River, and Devils Canyon.

The agency warned that the powerful force of rushing water, soil, and rocks can destroy culverts, bridges, roadways, and structures and can cause injury or death. It estimated that the burn area can produce 100,000 cubic yards of debris flows.

Meanwhile, the LA County Public Works is meeting hillside residents in burn areas to advise them on how to protect lives and properties from impending landslides.

In 2003, a Christmas Day storm triggered landslides that killed 16 people in the area destroyed by the San Bernardino fires.