From Fires to Floods

(Wildfire and Flood Risks publication from FEMA and Nevada Division of Emergency Management)

The Waterfall Fire denuded thousands of acres, exposing the earth to the damaging effects of rain, wind, and other elements of nature.  These conditions have greatly increased the risk of flooding and mudflows that threaten this area.  This increased risk lasts for several years after the fire, until normal vegetation has recovered.

Intense heat from fire can make the soil repel water, a condition called hydrophobicity.  2,000 acres of the burned area in the Waterfall are rated hydrophobic.  This type of soil can't absorb water during a storm, and the result can be flooding in the areas downstream of the burned area.

As the rains pummel the unprotected earth, soils on many slopes can become unstable.  After the Waterfall fire, 93% of the soils in the burned area have been given a moderate (29%) or high (64%) Erosion Hazard Rating.  The result of rain on these soils can be devastating mudflows, landslides and the floods.  Heavily saturated earth can liquefy and flow down a hillside.  Houses are often destroyed when this dangerous cycle begins.

Flooding is also greatly increased when fire debris, mud, and silt from hillsides washes into ravines or streambeds, choking them and greatly magnifying flooding by forcing floodwaters to overflow to nearby dry areas.

You can't stop the rain, but you can prepare for the worst.  Carson City, the Nevada Division of Forestry, and the U.S. Forest Service are working hard to implement erosion control projects in the burned area to protect the City, but you can pitch in too!

There are many simple ways you can protect your home and property from flood and mudflow:

     -  If your soil was burned, roughen the soil surface to break through the hydrophobic layer: a metal rack     

        works well.

     -  Plant fire-resistant vegetation to stabilize the soil.

     -  Spread mulch to protect the soil and reseeding efforts.

     -  Create check dams in drainages using straw bales or wattles.

     -  Check and clean your culverts.

     -  Buy Flood insurance.

At-Risk Neighborhoods for Flooding

The Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) report identified at-risk neighborhoods for flooding and debris flow due to the fire.  If you live in the vicinity of the burned area and are concerned about your risk, call Meri at 887-2252.

For National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) information 888-379-9531 or visit their website at www.floodsmart.gov.

Flood Evacuation Plan Map

This map is in a PDF format, you should be able to zoom in & out, and pan around the map.

Family Disaster Planning

From the American Red Cross

Disaster can strike quickly and without warning.  It can force you to evacuate your neighborhood or confine you to your home.  What would you do if basic services -- water, gas, electricity or telephones -- were cut off?  Local officials and relief workers will be on the scene after a disaster, but they cannot reach everyone right away.   Read more . . .

Safe Cleanup of Fire Ash

The recent fire has deposited large amounts of ash on indoor and outdoor surfaces in areas near the fire.  Questions have been raised about possible dangers from contact with the ash and safe disposal procedures. 

Waterfall Fire Area Storm Event

In the event of a storm the City has prepared has prepared a response plan.

Carson City Emergency Plan

The purpose of this plan is to provide information and guidance on emergency prepardness arrangements within Carson City, including basic emergency information, agency roles, response procedures, and the recovery process.