Posted by: thepinetree on 02/11/2014 05:28 PM
Updated by: thepinetree on 02/11/2014 05:29 PM
Expires: 01/01/2019 12:00 AM
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Rim Fire Burn Area Responding Well to Recent Rains
Sonora, CA...Since October 1, rainfall ranging from approx. six to 12 inches has fallen across the Rim Fire burn area, with close to half this amount falling in the last five days. Near Groveland, almost three inches of rain fell in the last five days, while Mt. Elizabeth, near Twain Harte received almost seven inches in the same period, sparking fears of storm damage in the Rim Fire burn area....
“Watershed effects after fires are real,” said Scott R. Tangenburg, Deputy Forest Supervisor, Stanislaus National Forest (NF). “They’re documented, and we’ve done everything we can to prepare for them.”
Some areas within the Rim Fire burned so intensely that steep ground with fragile soil has little or no vegetation or organic material left to keep the soil in place during a storm; however, large rain drops suddenly versus small rain drops over a steady period of time can be relatively manageable in the burn area, said Tangenburg.
The Groveland and Mi-Wok Ranger Districts have fielded “storm patrols,” consisting of teams of U.S. Forest Service employees that drive the roads looking for blocked ditches or culverts that could allow a road to wash away. They also look for evidence of soil movement, make spot corrections when possible or call in contracted help when appropriate.
“So far it looks like all of our hard work has paid off,” stated Rusty LeBlanc, Road Maintenance Engineer for the Stanislaus NF. “We have been able to keep the roads clear using our own equipment with very little work to do [after storms].”
LeBlanc spent Monday inspecting the higher standard main roads through the burned area, and looking for any soil movement and muddy water in rivers and streams. He was referring to the extensive road grading, drainage work and mulching the Stanislaus accomplished in the months following control of the fire. Private contractors repaired and upsized culverts throughout the burned area.
Storm patrols travel in pairs after weather events due to safety concerns and only on paved roads, following safety procedures. While the Stanislaus NF has succeeded so far in keeping the road system intact, all of the Forest Service roads within the Rim Fire remain closed to public travel. Burn areas are known for potential rock slides, falling trees (“widow makers”), stump holes, etc.
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