Flash floods could occur in burn scar

COSTILLA COUNTY — In areas affected by a wildfire, the vegetation is gone and the soil no longer absorbs water. Large amounts of water flowing downhill may cause flash floods.

Flash floods occur within a few minutes or hours of excessive rainfall. Flash floods can roll boulders, tear out trees, destroy buildings and bridges, and scour

out new channels. Flash flood-producing rains can also trigger catastrophic mud slides and debris flows. You will not always have a warning that these sudden floods are coming.

Costilla County Emergency Management and the Rio Grande Watershed

Emergency Action Coordination Team works with the National Weather Service to create a warning plan for residents of the Spring Fire Burn Area.

• The National Weather Service will send an alert if there is a possibility of flash flooding. There are three stages of warning:

Stage 1 – Flash flood WATCH. Flooding MAY happen. Stay aware of the weather and your surroundings.

Stage 2 – Flash flood ADVISORY. Minor flooding is LIKELY. You may receive a warning from the sheriff’s department or Everbridge (you must sign up for Everbridge to receive these warnings). Pay attention to warnings.

Stage 3 – Flash Flood WARNING. Flooding is IMMINENT or OCCURING. You will be notified by authorities if evacuation is necessary. Stay out of low-lying areas.

• The Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team is monitoring the effects of heavy rain and flash flooding in the Spring Fire Burn Area. For more information, contact Rio Grande Watershed Emergency Action Coordination Team at https://www.rweact.org/about-rweact/what-is-rweact

Kristine Borchers [email protected] or 970-596-9071

• Costilla County Emergency Management 719-672-3372

• www.slvemergency.org