Forest Service warns of debris flows, flooding and rockfall within Caldor Fire area

The U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit (LTBMU) and Eldorado National Forest are both urging extreme caution during the upcoming storm event that will affect Lake Tahoe and the Sierra.

There is potential with the atmospheric river hitting the Sierra starting Sunday for record and near-record precipitation for 2-day totals in the month of October. South Lake Tahoe and Tahoe City could see five inches of liquid in two days. For Tahoe City, that would be the second-highest amount following the 5.72" that fell in 1909.

This amount of precipitation would create a risk of debris flows, flooding, and rockfall especially in steep canyons within the Caldor Fire area.

The movement of soil and rocks in response to an intense rain event like the predicted storm for this weekend can be destructive. Debris flows can occur suddenly and cause damage to structures or threaten the safety of people nearby. Flooding is expected along streams and rivers. Structures near waterways, bridges, culverts and low water stream crossings are especially prone to flooding.

Debris flows, flooding, and rockfall can occur without warning. If you are in the mountains, avoid steep slopes, and drainages especially in the Caldor Fire area, but also anywhere else affected by the storm, the Forest Service warned.

Many Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) treatments have been completed in the Caldor Fire area over the last several weeks to mitigate erosion, protect infrastructure and increase safety. These treatments will have localized effects but cannot prevent a storm of this magnitude from having impacts. Be aware that both burned and unburned areas of the forest are at risk from the storm.