Flooding Possible in the Southwest U.S.; Coastal Storm to Impact the East

Heavy to excessive rainfall is expected today into Wednesday over New Mexico into far west Texas. Flash flooding and debris flows in wildfire burn areas will be possible. A strong coastal storm will develop off the Mid-Atlantic coast Wednesday, intensifying toward southern New England this weekend. Significant coastal flooding, strong rip currents, and beach erosion from high surf expected. Read More >

The National Weather Service and other local emergency services partners have created this resource to detail the higher probabilities of Flash Flood and Debris Flows across western and central Wyoming for those people affected by the 2012 Wildfires.

***While this page highlights the burn scar associated with the Fontenelle Wildfire, these impacts can occur down slope and/or downstream of any burn area, big or small. Please contact local officials if you are unsure of your risk.***

Fontenelle Wildfire Burn Scar Area

Click Here for KMZ Download


Location of Fontenelle Burn Scar	Overview of Fontenelle Burn Scar General Location	Detailed View of Fontenelle Burn Scar Drainage	Fontenelle Burn Scar Direction of Streamflow

Click here for a PDF Printable Fact Sheet Regarding the Fontenelle Wildfire Burn Scar

Greatest Risk Area

All low lying areas, flood plains, current and historic channels
Anywhere that gravity will move water and debris
Note: Water and debris can be transported into areas that don't normally see water flow. All areas in and downslope of burned areas should be aware of the increased probability of Flash Flood and Debris Flows
Streams Impacted
South Piney Creek
Middle Piney Creek
North Piney Creek
La Barge Creek
Indian Creek
Springman Creek
Fish Creek
Spring Creek
Coal Creek
Darby Creek
Porcupine Creek
Beaver Creek
Variables Affecting Magnitude of Flash Flood/Debris Flow:
Steepness of terrain above your location
Intensity of burn
Intensity of rainfall
- Half inch of rain in less than one hour can result in a
  Flash Flood
- Any high intensity rain over a short period of time can result in a Flash Flood
- Age of burn scar
- Threat lessens over time; highest probability the first year after the fire
Most burn areas will be flash flood prone for at least 2 years

What should people who live near burn areas do to protect themselves from potential Flash Flooding and Debris Flows?

Have an evacuation/escape route planned that is least likely to be impacted by Flash Flooding or Debris Flows
Have an Emergency Supply Kit available
Stay informed before and during any potential event; knowing where to obtain National Weather Service (NWS) Outlooks, Watches and Warnings via the NWS, website, Facebook, Twitter, or NOAA Weather Radio
Be alert if any precipitation develops. Do not wait for a warning to evacuate should heavy precipitation develop
Call 911 if you are caught in a Flash Flood or Debris Flow
Additional Flood Safety information is available on the web here
Property Protection information from NRCS is available here
Contact local officials for additional risk information and potential mitigation efforts

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Flooding Possible in the Southwest U.S.; Coastal Storm to Impact the East

Fontenelle Burn Scar Information

Fontenelle Wildfire Burn Scar Area