Relentless storms from a series of atmospheric rivers have saturated the steep mountains and bald hillsides scarred from wildfires along much of California's long coastline, causing hundreds of landslides this month.
So far the debris has mostly blocked roads and highways and has not harmed communities as in 2018 when mudslides roared through Montecito, killing 23 people and wiping out 130 homes.But more rain is in the forecast, increasing the threat.
"You'd think if the ground is dry it should be able to absorb a lot of water, but when ground becomes too dry, the permeability of the ground actually decreases," he said. As water runs off the hardened soil, moving downward and picking up energy, it can begin carrying soil and debris away, he said. Lancaster warned that the threat of landslides will linger long after the rains have subsided as the water seeps 50 to 100 feet into the soil, dislodging things.Lancaster said California has dramatically increased its efforts to identify hotspots since the Montecito mudslides. His department continually updates its map so local communities are aware and can make decisions, including whether to evacuate an entire community.
Some might also not be big enough to deal with future slides worsened by climate change, Jerolmack said. The organization hired an engineering company to map the canyons and installed debris nets. He said the recent storms put them to the test: One net measuring 25 feet tall filled nearly to capacity.
The best solution for the Montecito and Santa Barbara area is to have both nets and debris basins, according to Larry Gurrola, the engineering geologist hired by the organization.
Argentina Últimas Noticias, Argentina Titulares
Similar News:También puedes leer noticias similares a ésta que hemos recopilado de otras fuentes de noticias.
EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked CaliforniaThe record rainfall in California has soaked its steep hillsides, causing hundreds of landslides and heightening the threat to communities
Leer más »
EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked CaliforniaSAN DIEGO (AP) — Relentless storms from a series of atmospheric rivers have saturated the steep mountains and bald hillsides scarred from wildfires along much of California's long coastline, causing hundreds of landslides this month.
Leer más »
EXPLAINER: Tackling threat of mudslides in soaked CaliforniaThe record rainfall in California has soaked its steep hillsides, causing hundreds of landslides and heightening the threat to communities.
Leer más »
Arizona State regaining momentum behind relentless defenseThe Sun Devils have won their first two conference road games for the first time since 1992 and have three resume-building wins in their quest to return to the NCAA Tournament.
Leer más »
Tackling the homeless crisis in VeniceNearly a 100 people are off the streets in Venice after a new safe initiative was started by Mayor Karen Bass.
Leer más »
Biden approves California disaster declaration as another atmospheric river storm prepares to pummel stateStorm after storm has been slamming into the Golden State since the end of December.
Leer más »