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House inundated by Debris Flow – Montecito, 2017 (photo courtesy of USGS) A ALPINE COUNTY UNIFIED COMMAND DATE: August 12, 2021 RE: Debris Flow Warning FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: POTENTIAL FLASH FLOODING AND DEBRIS FLOWS POSSIBLE IN THE GREATER MARKLEEVILLE AREA DUE TO THUNDERSTORM ACTIVITY. RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO USE EXTREME CAUTION AND PREPARE FOR EVACUATIONS IF NECESSARY. To the residents of Markleeville, specifically those residing in or near the following creeks and drainages: Hot Springs, Pleasant Valley, Scott, Shay, Millberry, Springs, Merk Canyon, and Markleeville Creek; please be advised these areas are currently at high risk of experiencing debris flows caused by moderate rainfall on severely burned slopes. The National Weather Service is forecasting conditions conducive to rainfall events Thursday, August 12th; Friday, August 13th; and Saturday, August 14th. These conditions have the potential to trigger debris flow events throughout the Tamarack Fire burn scar. Debris flows are dangerous, rapidly moving landslides that can be triggered within 15 minutes of a rainfall event. Steep slopes, canyons, gorges and the mouths of mountain streams are the locations at greatest risk. Persons in homes or vehicles are at risk of serious injury when in these locations. An oncoming debris flow may include the sound of rushing water, changes in water from clear to muddy, or the sound of large rocks crashing into each other. Follow all evacuation orders. If you stay behind, you can't protect your property and first responders won't be able to protect you. Never underestimate a debris flow. Please refer to the Alpine County Sheriff’s Office for guidance regarding evacuation information. Alpine County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Line: [PHONE REDACTED] Weather Information: Informational Video – Flood After Fire ---PAGE BREAK--- Know your risks and look into your home owner’s insurance coverage. Consider buying a flood insurance to protect your property: FloodSmart I The National Flood Insurance Program Media Inquiries Regarding Alpine County Evacuations & Re-Entry JT Chevallier Public Information Officer Alpine County [PHONE REDACTED] [EMAIL REDACTED] Fire Information & Public Information • Inciweb: • Facebook: #TamarackFire • Twitter: #TamarackFire • Fire Information Number: [PHONE REDACTED] • Email: [EMAIL REDACTED] • Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/UCllqup_9I-v-O6woWUCATfA/videos