U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIORBUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
 
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News.bytesNews.bytes Extra, issue 340

Mudslide threats follow wildfires

Wildfires can leave dangerous conditions long after they are gone, as land stripped of vegetation increases danger of mudslides. A wildfire last year, plus a recent heavy summer rainstorm, combined to create a massive flash flood and mud slide this week near the Sierra Nevada town of Independence. BLM-California is among the agencies working to repair damage, helping to supply materials to rebuild roads washed out by the flood and to re-channel a creekbed.

A pickup truck sits partially buried amid a sea of mud left behind after the flash flood
A pickup truck sits partially buried amid a sea of mud left behind after the flash flood

Household appliances caught in tree roots in front of a destroyed house in the Oak Creek community, along the creek where much of the damage occurred
Household appliances caught in tree roots frame a house in the Oak Creek community, along the creek where much of the damage occurred

Another vehicle swept along in the mud and water was stopped by these trees
 Another vehicle swept along in the mud and water was stopped by these trees

The flash flood swept mud far outside the earlier channel of Oak Creek. This is a view from South Oak Creek Road, looking north toward the North Fork of Oak Creek
A view from South Oak Creek Road, looking north toward the North Fork of Oak Creek

7/14/08


BLM California News.bytes, issue 340

 
Last updated: 07-16-2008