Increased rain runoff in burned areas can cause mud and debris flows. Multiple, federal, state, and local agencies are taking action to protect our watershed and prevent flooding, this includes:
- In urban areas, the City of Santa Rosa and the County of Sonoma are cleaning and checking storm drains, and installing straw wattles and gravel bags to prevent debris from entering storm drains.
- In rural areas, the County is checking and installing debris-capture devices in culverts and ditches along rural roadways.
- CAL FIRE crews, the City, and the County are clearing fire debris from streams and storm water channels to reduce flood risks.
- The Sonoma County Agricultural & Open Space District, Sonoma County Regional Parks, and City of Santa Rosa Recreation & Parks are assessing their properties within the burned areas for hazardous conditions including downed and damaged trees and areas where erosion may affect streams and watersheds.
- The Sonoma County Water Agency has installed rainfall and stream gauges in watersheds in burned areas and is working to install radar equipment to improve early warning forecasts for residents in high-risk areas. To learn more about the gauges, go to https://www.sonomacountyrecovers.org/rain-and-stream-gauges-in-burn-areas/