Document Laramie_doc_0957178112

1 I P a g e A plan to assist and reduce the possible effects of hazards in Albany County Albany County Courthouse, Laramie Wyoming Coordinated and prepared By the Albany County Emergency Management Agency P.O. Box C Laramie, WY 82073 [PHONE REDACTED] Final with FEMA Revisions April 2010 ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 I P a g e Contents EXECUTIVE SUMMARY/ PLAN DEVELOPMENT 10 WHO PARTICIPATING IN DEVELOPING THE PLAN? 13 INITIAL ACTIONS TAKEN TO COMPLETE PLAN 14 CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION 17 SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN 17 PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL JURISDICTIONS 20 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS 2009 22 COUNTY PROFILE 22 VULNERABILTY OF FUTURE BUIDLINGS 26 DEVELOPMENT TRENDS 29 CHAPTER II. PLAN MONITORING, MAINTANCE, REVISION, AND 31 PLAN ADOPTION 31 COORDINATING BODY 31 FORMAL REVIEW PROCESS 31 HOW WILL THE PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED, MONITORED, AND EVALUATED? 32 PLAN UPDATE REVIEW TRIGGERS 34 REVISION PROCEDURES 34 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 34 VULNERABILTIY BY JURISDICTION 36 VULNERABILITY TO REPETITIVE LOSS 36 APPENDIX B: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT 37 CRITICAL PUBLICLY OWNED INFRASTRUCTURE 43 MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE 43 CHAPTER III. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ANALYSIS 45 DISASTER MANAGEMENT 49 HAZARD RISK ANALYSIS 49 CHAPTER IV. WINTER STORMS AND BLIZZARDS 51 HISTORY 51 IMPACTS 55 ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 I P a g e FUTURE IMPACTS 55 SUMMARY 55 CHAPTER V. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE 56 HISTORY 57 IMPACTS 62 FUTURE IMPACTS 62 SUMMARY 63 CHAPTER VI. WILDLAND FIRES AND FIRES 64 HISTORY 69 IMPACTS 71 FUTURE IMPACTS 81 SUMMARY 81 CHAPTER VII. LIGHTNING 82 HISTORY 82 IMPACTS 84 FUTURE IMPACTS 84 SUMMARY 85 PROPERTY AFFECTED: Low 85 CHAPTER VIII. HAIL 86 HISTORY 86 IMPACTS 87 FUTURE IMPACTS 89 SUMMARY 89 CHAPTER IX. 90 HISTORY 90 INSTRUMENTATION RECORD 91 IMPACTS 92 DOLLAR IMPACTS 93 FUTURE IMPACTS 97 SUMMARY 97 CHAPTER X. EARTHQUAKES 98 EARTHQUAKE SOURCES 99 ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 I P a g e HISTORY 100 UNIFORM BUIDLING CODE (UBC) 104 FLOATING OR RANDOM EARTHQUAKE SOURCES 105 PROBALISTIC SEISMIC HAZARD ANALYSIS 106 IMPACTS 111 Social Impact 122 Economic Loss 123 SUMMARY 128 CHAPTER XI. FLOODS AND FLASH FLOODS 129 HISTORY 129 IMPACTS 136 FUTURE IMPACTS 145 SUMMARY 145 CHAPTER XII. DAM FAILURES 146 DAM FEATURES IN ALBANY COUNTY, WYOMING 148 HISTORY 151 IMPACTS 152 FUTURE IMPACTS 152 SUMMARY 152 CHAPTER XIII. LANDSLIDES 153 IMPACTS 157 FUTURE IMPACTS 162 SUMMARY 164 CHAPTER XIV. MINE SUBSTINENCE 165 HISTORY 165 IMPACTS 165 FUTURE IMPACTS 166 SUMMARY 168 CHAPTER XV. WIND AND WINDBLOWN DEPOSITS 169 HISTORY 170 WINDBLOWN ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSSES 174 ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 I P a g e FUTURE IMPACTS 174 SUMMARY 174 CHAPTER XVI. SNOW AVALANCHES 175 HISTORY 177 IMPACTS 179 FUTURE IMPACTS 179 SUMMARY 179 CHAPTER XVII. TORNADOES 180 HISTORY 180 PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION 183 IMPACTS 189 FUTURE IMPACTS 189 SUMMARY 193 CHAPTER XVIII. GOALS AND MITIGATION ACTIONS 194 PROJECT SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION 194 WORK DONE IN ALBANY COUNTY 216 APPENDIX D. WILDLAND EVACUATION PLANS 217 APPENDIX E. ALBANY COUNTY PIPELINE INFORMATION 284 APPENDIX F: RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION 287 REFERENCES 289 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 I P a g e Figures 1.1 Albany County 1.2 Existing land 1.3 Priority growth 1.4 Growth efficiency in Albany 5.1 Field boundaries for pipelines in Albany 5.2 Risk management plan facilities in 6.1 Map of pine beetle infestation in Albany 6.2 Fire protection 6.3 Urban interface hazard assessment red 6.4 Building exposure 6.5 Wildland fire hazard 6.6 Picture of wildland 7.1 Lightning in Centennial 8.1 Hail in Laramie, 8.2 Wyoming hail damage 9.1 Wyoming annual 10.1 Earthquakes in 10.2 Earthquake sources in 10.3 500 year probabilistic acceleration 10.4 1000 year probabilistic acceleration 10.5 2500 year probabilistic acceleration 10.6 Building exposure by occupancy 11.1 Picture of the Laramie River with Floodplains………………………………………129 11.2 Water bodies, floodplains, and wetlands in Albany County……………………….135 11.3 Wyoming flood insurance rate 11.4 Building exposure value for 100 year 11.5 Building exposure value for 500 year 11.6 Building exposure values for the City of Laramie 100 year flood………………..143 11.7 Building exposure values for the City of Laramie 500 year flood………………..144 12.1 Dams inspected by Wyoming State Engineer’s office………………………………147 13.1 Wyoming landslide classification……………………………………………………..155 13.2 Wyoming landslide 13.3 Albany County landslide 13.4 Albany County building exposure to landslides…………………………………..…161 13.5 Wyoming landslide exposure by 14.1 Mined out areas in 14.2 Mining districts and 15.1 Wyoming windblown 15.2 Albany County Windblown 16.1 U.S. fatalities by state 16.2 Wyoming avalanche fatalities by activity 1913-2007……………………………..176 ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 I P a g e 16.3 Wyoming avalanche fatalities by 17.1 Tornadoes reported in Wyoming 17.2 Tornadoes documented in Wyoming 1950- 1995 F-scale…………….……………185 17.3 Wyoming tornado stats 17.4 Wyoming tornado frequency by hour 1950-2003………………………………..…186 17.5 Frequency of tornadoes by intensity 1950-2003……………………………………187 17.6 Wyoming tornado damage 17.7 Wyoming tornado by 17.8 Wyoming tornado damage 17.9 Picture of tornado that touched down in Laramie, Tables 1.1 Populations of incorporated 2.1 Plan Maintenance and 2.2 County 4.1 Winter storm and blizzard history in Albany County……………………………………51-54 5.1 EPA Chemical Releases 5.2 Hazardous events from 6.1 County fire 6.2 History of wildfires in Albany 6.3 Wildland fire 7.1 History of lightning in Albany 8.1 Hail storms 8.2 County rankings by hail 9.1 Wyoming statewide 9.2 Peak commodity production changes from pre drought 1947-1951……………………..93 9.3 Peak commodity production changes from pre drought 1994-1998……………………..93 9.4 Production and inventory value impact 9.5 Production and inventory value impact 9.6 Production and inventory value impact 9.7 Production and inventory value impact 9.8 Production and inventory value impact 9.9 Production and inventory value impact 9.10 Production and inventory value impact 9.11 Production and inventory value impact 9.12 Production and inventory value impact for worst of droughts…………………………..97 10.1 History of earthquakes in Albany 10.2 Transportation system lifeline 10.3 Utility system lifeline 10.4 Expected building damage by 10.5 Expected building damage by building 10.6 Expected damage to essential ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 I P a g e 10.7 Expected damage to transportation facilities………………………………………….…119 10.8 Expected utility system facility 10.9 Expected utility system pipeline 10.10 Expected portable water and electric power system performance…………………..…120 10.11 Casualty 10.12 Building related economic loss 10.13 Transportation system economic 10.14 Utility system economic 10.15 Indirect economic impact with outside 10.16 Direct economic losses for 11.1 History of floods in Albany 11.2 County rankings by flood 11.3 Flood related building exposure values by 11.4 Composite ranking of 12.1 History of dam failures in Albany 13.1 Yearly costs of landslide related 13.2 Exposure values for blocks that intersect landslides within Albany County…………...159 13.3 Building exposure values for 15.1 Windblown deposit locations in Albany County……………………………………….170-172 16.1 Wyoming fatal snow avalanche events 1913-2007…………………………………….177-179 17.1 Fuijita scale of tornado 17.2 Wyoming damaging tornado data totals by county 1907-2006…………………….......183 17.3 Wyoming damaging tornado estimated damage 1907-2006……………………...……184 17.6 History of tornadoes in Albany 17.7 Tornado events by county 17.8 Tornado damage by county in 17.9 Tornado damage by county in year of ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 I P a g e SPECIAL THANKS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The draft plan is a compilation drawn from many sources especially the Wyoming Geological Survey, (Jim Case), Albany County GIS, (Alan Frank) and Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. The plan is a result of the dedicated effort by Erin Denson in 2003 & Sandra Newland in 2009-10 of Albany County Emergency Management. Who have labored intensely to meet this deadline to produce a thorough document to base planning discussions upon. Albany County EMA has also received outstanding assistance and support from the following in 2003 and 2009: Cheryl Chesebro- Laramie Fire Department, Prevention Dale Stalder-Laramie/Albany County Records and Communications/ Laramie Police Forrest Selmer- University of Wyoming Janice Gahagan- Albany County Chapter of the American Red Cross Mark Ross- Union Pacific Mike Moeller- Albany County School District #1 Rachel N. Toner- Wyoming State Geological Survey Randy Vickers- Laramie Fire Department Robert Juve- City of Laramie Public Works Management Robert Kirkwood- Wyoming State Geological Survey Susan Simpson- Albany County Public Library Rich Emanuel- NWS Cheyenne Troy Lane- University of Wyoming Police Department Beth Young- Albany County PHRC Mark holder- IMH Rock River City Council Albany County Sheriff’s Department Harold Newbrough with Carbon County Emergency Management Seth Wittke- Wyoming State Geological Survey Scott Davis- Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Planning office- Doug Bryant for the use of the County Comprehensive Plan and maps All County and City Fire Departments City of Laramie Departments EXECUTIVE SUMMARY/ PLAN DEVELOPMENT Albany County has prepared the following plan with the assistance of the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. Plan goals and mitigation actions were developed as the result of input from public meetings and discussions with each of the local governments in Laramie and Rock River. Preparing and implementing this plan will make the County more disaster-resistant in acknowledging potential hazards within the community. The ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 I P a g e creation of the plan has allowed emergency personnel to become aware of concerns throughout the county and build better working relationships. The original plan from 2003 was analyzed and reviewed in sections based off the crosswalk provided. Each section was looked at and evaluated on its current effectiveness. All of the sections got revised and updated with lots of additional research and information. Albany County EMA did the initial walk through revision and updated what they felt was necessary prior to presenting it to committees and the public. The 2009 review also included five more hazards to be addressed as threats to Albany County. After an initial draft was created it was provided to the communities within Albany County through LEPC, County Commissioner’s Meetings, City Council Meetings, Library and Fire Department as well as posted on the City and County websites. The Jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River were instrumental in developing major concerns with hazards in their respected areas. After planning meetings EMA would come back and update the plan accordingly for the next review date. The local EMA was responsible for scheduling and conducting all revision work for the Hazard Mitigation Plan. The EMA office utilized its local resources of the fire departments, police, university, sheriff, and public health. Each entity in the City and County had opportunities to assist with the plan development as well as the public and citizens of Albany County. EMA corresponded with the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for guidance and recommendations along the way. Neighboring jurisdictions provided tremendous assistance in reviewing Albany’s County’s Mitigation Plan and providing assistance as needed. Local communities and towns in Albany County participated in assisting with the revision process. We had several non-profit groups coordinate with the EMA office such as ARES/RACES, CERT, and the League of Women Voters. Community support was tremendous and much appreciated. The University of Wyoming’s Geological department was instrumental in supporting and assisting in research efforts on past hazards in the County. The jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River as well as other communities in Albany County are vulnerable to a total of 14 natural hazards. The hazards of most concern to the County are blizzards, hazmat spills, wildland fires, pipeline hazards, flooding and terrorist attacks. For the hazards that were identified in the plan, projects were identified to help mitigate the effects of natural hazards within the county. The project types include education, prevention, protection, property protection, natural resource protection, structural hazards and coordination. Based on the hazards and local priorities eight goals were identified. The goals are as follows: 1. Improve notification procedures to individuals prior to threats of all types 2. Be prepared to respond effectively to severe winter storms and blizzards 3. Reduce the vulnerability for injury and loss of life from a hazardous material incident ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 I P a g e 4. Minimize the potential for loss or damage from catastrophic wildland fires and other types of fires 5. Reduce vulnerability to river flooding 6. Develop back-up systems for loss of power and/or communications during a disaster 7. Minimize potential for injury and loss of life from lightning and wind related events 8. Establish a highly functioning and effective Emergency Management program in Albany County The 2003 version included three generalized goals: 1. Protect life and Property • Execute activities that assist in protecting lives by making homes, businesses, infrastructure, critical facilities, and other property more resistant to losses from hazards. • Improve hazard assessment information to make recommendations for new and for existing developments in areas vulnerable to hazards. 2. Public Awareness • Increase public awareness of the risks associated with hazards in the county. • Provide information on tools, partnerships, opportunities, and funding resources to assist in implementing mitigation activities. 3. Partnerships and Implementation • Strengthen communication and coordinate participation among and within public agencies, citizens, nonprofit organizations, business, and industry to gain a vested interest in implementation. • Encourage leadership within public and private sector organizations to prioritize and implement local, county, and regional hazard mitigation activities. When the plan came up for renewal in 2009 the local LEPC and the participating public of Albany County chose to further develop these goals into eight key points listed above. The newly developed goals tie into the mitigation plans developed for the County in Chapter eighteen. The mitigation projects were based off of the eight goals listed above and include aspects from the 2003 goals as well. The draft plan contains hazard identification and historical data analyses intended to be used as a basis for discussion in development of a completed plan. An initial problem analysis has been used to develop the first set of proposed action items. The goal of this draft plan is to provide the groundwork for a discussion, which is intended to culminate in a prioritization of action items with the eventual goal of reducing future loss through intervention and mitigation. ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 I P a g e No planning effort, particularly in Wyoming, should ever proceed without recognition of the fact that any intervention will have an impact on the property rights of landowners. To be effective, the intervention proposed in planning must be balanced with a keen eye to cause and effect on property rights. Acceptance of need of mitigation efforts is only the first step in developing support of landowners. Without this support any planning effort will fail. An example of this is building codes. There are no county adopted building codes and no enforcement of minimum building standards in the county. An action item is needed to mitigate the potential impact of many weather and seismic related events. The solution of mandating such a minimum standard will not be achievable without developing a strong support base for it in the community and by the most affected by it throughout rural Albany County. WHO PARTICIPATING IN DEVELOPING THE PLAN? The Albany County Hazards Mitigation Plan is the result of combined efforts between, public agencies, nonprofit organizations, the private sectors and regional and state organizations. Agencies included: Albany County Assessor’s Office- Grant Showacre and Deborah Smith Albany County Chapter of the American Red Cross- Spencer Pollock Albany County Commissioners Albany County Emergency Management Agency- Sandra Newland and Chief Randy Vickers Albany County GIS- Alan Frank Albany County Local Emergency Planning Committee- See attached list Albany County Planning- Stan Gibson and Doug Byrant Albany County Public Health- Beth Young Mullins and Kate Chamberlin Albany County Public Library- Susan Simpson Albany County Sheriff’s Office- Sheriff Jim Pond and Lieutenant Mike Garcia Amteur Radio Emergency Services- David Young City of Laramie Departments Ivinson Memorial Hospital – Mark Holder Jurisdiction of Rock River- Rock River City Council Laramie County Emergency Management Agency- Rob Cleveland and Jeanine West Laramie Fire Department- Shift Commanders Dan Johnson, Kyle Polidora, and Bret Vance Laramie Police Department- Chief Dale Stalder, Commander Jeff Bury and Commander Mitch Cushman Local Volunteer Fire Departments- All fire chiefs Union Pacific University of Wyoming various departments University of Wyoming Physical Plant University of Wyoming Police Department- Chief Troy Lane Wyoming Department of Transportation- Tye Fix Wyoming Geological Survey Wyoming Office of Homeland Security- Carrie Chitty and Keith Harris ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 I P a g e INITIAL ACTIONS TAKEN TO COMPLETE PLAN June 2003 Albany County’s Emergency Management Coordinator met with the Wyoming USGS representative to evaluate what needed to be done for the County’s mitigation plan. June 28, 2003 City Engineer, Information Systems Manager, County Assessor, County Planner, and University of Wyoming’s Environmental and Health Personnel and Engineers met to discuss Mitigation Plan. August 19, 2003 Meeting with USGS about hazards in Albany County. September 30, 2003 Received PDMG notice. October 24, 2003 Meeting with local radio stations, topic warning system issues, NWS and coordination. November 2003 Attended Mitigation Planning Workshop in Casper (Mapping meetings with Alan Frank and Jim Case). Hazardous Materials in transportation Survey update completed. New City of Laramie Council Orientation December 6, 2003 Mitigation Planning Workshop Lander developed mapping needs assessment. December, 2003 Bioterrorism county plan draft developed (lead is Albany County Public Health). December 12, 2003 Airport disaster and mitigation plan review and table top exercise. December 17, 2003 County Commissioners approve MOU. December 18, 2003 Met with (City of Laramie Community Services). Scheduled City Planning Commission Review of PDM Plan for March. West Nile Virus public hearing Planned for Feb 11. December 2003 Terrorism annex to EOP draft submitted by LARC for review ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 I P a g e And comment January 13, 2003 Local LEPC held. Set date to review plan February 6, 2003 Meeting with County Planner February 12, 2003 Meeting with USGS Rep. To discuss Mitigation Plan progress. March 3, 2003 Public, LEPC, EDT plan review. March 18, 2003 Meet with County Commissioners February 6, 2009 Albany County EMA met with Carrie Chitty at WOHS to review requirements and evaluate what needed to be done for the County’s mitigation plan. Chitty provided EMA with Crosswalk and general guidelines to begin revision. March 18, 2009 Albany County EMA discussed Mitigation plan with NOAA and NWS Cheyenne and began to coordinate efforts to look at history of natural hazards in Albany County. April 8, 2009 Albany County EMA attended the Planning Commissioner’s meeting to discuss Mitigation Plan and gain support. Plan and expectation were presented and Commissioner’s provided encouragement and support. May 6, 2009 Albany County EMA held a public meeting in Laramie to review and gain perspective on what citizens were/are concerned about in Albany County. Citizens were asked about what concerns they had with hazards in Albany County. The 8 new goals were reviewed and input was created and prioritized. The attendance at this meeting was minimal. May 18, 2009 Albany County EMA held a meeting with the League of Women Voters to gain their input and perspectives on the plan. The league provided a list of the hazards they were concerned with and helped to review the 8 new goals for the mitigation plan. A decent turnout at the meeting. May 28, 2009 Albany County EMA attended a public meeting hosted by the League of Women Voters on “Emergency Services for Special Populations.” The meeting also discussed the Multi- ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 I P a g e hazard mitigation plan. This was presented to the general public and input and assistance was requested. Copies were provided there and at the library. This was an excellent turn out with approximately 50 people present. June 1, 2009 Albany County EMA attended Rock River City Council Meeting to present the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan for review and comment. Each Council member received a copy of the plan to review and provides commentary on, prior to approval. Rock River citizens in the audience were also able to pick up copies of the plan for review and comments. June 8, 2009 Meeting with FEMA to discuss plan developments and Flood HAZUS analysis. EMA met with Carrie Chitty to review the Flood HAZUS analysis and how it fit into Albany County’s Mitigation Plan. June 25, 2009 Albany County EMA held public meeting to review the plan and the newly revised goals. Had same minimal attendance as previous meeting, but had returning citizens as well as new faces. June 26, 2009 Rock River called with a few comments on how to tweak the Mitigation Plan to better fit the jurisdiction of Rock River. These changes were implemented into the plan prior to the July 7th approval. July 7, 2009 Rock River City Council meeting to approve plan. Rock River mayor signed off on plan as well as other council members. July 13, 2009 LEPC meeting to approve plan. Albany County Sheriff and other LEPC members also approved the plan at this time. July 25, 2009 Albany County EMA submitted draft plan to State of Wyoming Office of Homeland Security for review then pass along to FEMA. January 20, 2010 Albany County received FEMA revision crosswalk from Carrie Chitty at Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. Spoke with Chitty on guidance and began revision process. March 10, 2010 Completion of revisions and re-submittal to State. ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 I P a g e CHAPTER I. INTRODUCTION SCOPE AND ORGANIZATION OF THE PLAN METHODOLOGY Each of the hazards have been identified and documented separately in the draft as they pertain to Albany County. The draft will be submitted for review to the local community (planning commissions, local emergency preparedness committee), and state and federal emergency management for comment. A final, resulting discussion will be used to flush out the draft to its next phase for consideration of the promulgating authorities (County Commissioners, City Council, and Board of Trustees). The final adopted plan will include a feedback, review, and revision component to ensure it remains comprehensive. The plan will be made available to the public at all times and will be made readily available through the Public Library, Fire Department, City and County websites or by request. PURPOSE The objective of the Albany County Hazards Mitigation Plan is to protect citizens, critical facilities, infrastructure, private property and the surrounding environment from natural and manmade hazards. This objective can be achieved by identifying potential hazards in the county and establishing procedures that will mitigate the effects of the hazards. SCOPE OF WHO THE MITIGATION PLAN AFFECTS The Albany County Hazard Mitigation Plan affects unincorporated rural areas, incorporated rural areas, and incorporated urban areas of the county. This includes the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River as well as the unincorporated communities of Bosler, Buford, Buttes, Centennial, Garrett, Tie Siding and Woods Landing-Jelm. The plan provides a framework for planning against hazards in the county. The plan can be used as a foundation for local mitigation plans and partnerships for the towns in the county. The jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River were involved in the plan with the intention of approving it upon completion. Other participating entities and communities were invited to participate but not allowed to approve the plan. AUTHORITY: STATE AND FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR PLAN All mitigation is local, and the primary responsibility for development and implementation of risk reduction strategies and policies lies with local jurisdictions. Local jurisdictions, however, are not alone. Resources exist at the state and federal ---PAGE BREAK--- 18 I P a g e levels. Numerous state and federal agencies have a role in hazards and hazard mitigation such as the: • Wyoming Office of Homeland Security (WOHS) guidance for County plans. • Wyoming Geological Survey (WGS) • Wyoming Highway Ports of Entry • United States Forest Service- These agencies play a crucial role in assisting Albany County in mitigation efforts and come into play if the County ever has to declare a disaster or request funding from the State or Federal counterparts. DEFINITION OF TERMS EDT- Exercise Design Team EMA- Emergency Management Agency EOP- Emergency Operations Plan IBC- International Building Code LARC- Laramie/Albany County Records and Communications LEPC-Local Emergency Planning Committee LFD- Laramie Fire Department NWS- National Weather Service PDM- Pre Disaster Mitigation PDMG-Pre Disaster Mitigation Grant UBC- Uniform Building Code USGS- United States Geologic Survey WOHS- Wyoming Office of Homeland Security REVIEW AND INCORPORATION OF EXISTING PLANS AND STUDIES Albany County utilized several plans in the development of the Mitigation update from within the county and throughout Wyoming. Albany County consulted numerous plans and databases while developing the hazards histories and risk assessments. The State of Wyoming Multi- Hazard Mitigation Plan was consulted to ensure consistency with this plan. Full citations for sources used by WOHS are available from WOHS. The following sources by author and general topic were consulted in the plan. • Brazee and cloud, Seismicity, 1960 • Bureau of Land Management, Wildland Fire • Campbell, Geological Hazards, 1985 • Campbell, Seismicity, 1987 • Case, James – Various publications on Geological Hazards • Casper Star Tribune- Various dates • Christiansen, 2001 • Coffman and Von Hake, Seismicity, 1975 ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 I P a g e • FEMA- National Flood Insurance Program Community Status Block • FEMA- NFIP Flood Insurance Rate Maps • Geomatrix, Seismicity, 1988 • HAZUS • Kirkham and Rogers, Seismicity, 1985 • Laramie Republican and Laramie Daily Boomerang – various dates • Murphy and Cloud, Seismicity, 1954 • National Weather Service, National Climate Data Center • National Weather Service, National Severe Storms Lab • Neumann, Seismicity, 1940 • Reagor, Stover, Algermissen, 1985 • SHELDUS • Shepherd Miller, Seismicity, 1966 • U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, Dam inspection program, 1981 • U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Inundation Maps • USDA Forest Service, Avalanche Center, Salt Lake City, UT. • USDA Forest Service, Bridget-Teton National Avalanche Center • U.S. Geological Survey – Various • U.S. Geological Survey National Earthquake information Center • U.S. Geological Survey, National Seismic Hazard Mapping Project • Varnes, Geological Hazards, 1978 • Wald, Et.al, Peak Ground Acceleration, 1999 • Wells and Coopersmith, Seismicity, 1994 • Wyoming Agricultural Statistics, USDA 2003 • Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality, Abandoned Mine Lands Program • Wyoming State Engineer’s Office, Dam Inspection Program • Wyoming State Forester, Wildland Urban Interface Hazard Assessment • Wyoming Climate Atlas • Wyoming State Emergency Response Commission 2004 Annual Report • Wyoming State Geological Survey The Albany County Emergency Operations Plan was included where applicable as well as information from the census, economic information, and maps and geographic was consulted and incorporated as appropriate. It is the goal of Albany County EMA to begin updating and revising the Emergency Operations Plan at the completion of this plan. The 2003 version of the Hazard Mitigation plan was utilized and incorporated in other plans throughout the county, following its adoption. The Albany County Comprehensive plan utilized studies and maps from the 2003 Hazard Mitigation plan. The 2009-10 versions will be used to update the other plans in the County and provide a guideline to ---PAGE BREAK--- 20 I P a g e other future endeavors. Albany County Emergency Management will coordinate this effort. Much of the information, such as the risk assessment gained from the 2009-10 updated versions was incorporated into the process of revising the Emergency Operations Plan. The LEPC will review other county plans to ensure that coordination is made and information is utilized. PARTICIPATION BY LOCAL JURISDICTIONS The two jurisdictions in Albany County, of Laramie and Rock River were given the opportunity to participate in the planning process as were the unincorporated communities of Bosler, Buford, Buttes, Centennial, Garrett, Tie Siding, and Woods Landing. The plan throughout the creation process was available on the County and City websites for review and comment. Neighboring communities such as Carbon and Laramie Counties served as reviewers of the plan and assisted in its completion. The plan was made available to anyone who asked as well as being placed at the library and fire department for review. Public meetings were held to allow citizens of Albany County to come in and comment on the plan and its development. Attendance was limited, but feedback from our website postings seemed beneficial. Albany County EMA also advertised the plan in the paper and several calls were received off of that advertisement. At the meetings citizens worked with EMA to prioritize hazardous conditions in Albany County that they were concerned with. The public also had the opportunity to ask questions and provides comments on any portion of the plan. Several copies were handed out in hardback and electronic formats. Participation occurred in the following ways: • By participating in public meetings held in two communities across the county, • By providing information on critical infrastructure, and facilities, • By meeting with EMA at council and commission meetings, • By providing feedback on draft goals, • By providing specific project ideas for their communities and the County, • By reviewing and commenting on the draft plan, and • By adopting the plan. PLANNING PROCESS Albany County is committed to emergency planning to avoid and mitigate the effects of hazards. Albany County has an active Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) that meets regularly to address and work on alleviating or reducing potential hazards in the County. The Albany County LEPC was formed prior to 1988 and has been active since. The committee is comprised of citizens in the county who have roles in emergency services, law enforcement, business, The University of Wyoming, The City Council, The County Commissioners, volunteer agencies, and public health. The Albany County Exercise Design Team, which consists of representatives from the city, county, business, ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 I P a g e and volunteer groups meets regularly and carries out an aggressive exercise program that trains emergency responders to manage and control various hazard situations which can occur in Albany County. In the planning process for the multi-hazard mitigation plan, all previous plans in the County were reviewed an incorporated where appropriate. The Local Emergency Planning Committee membership includes as of July 2009 Jim Pond, Chairman Albany County Sheriff Harold Colby, Vice Chairman Laramie Street Dept. Jeff Bury, Secretary Laramie Police Dept. Jean Allais County Health Officer John Benedik UW Environmental Health & Safety David Blaylock Kinder Morgan Carol Bartholomew Rock River Councilwoman Tim Chesnut Albany County Commissioner Chairman Scott Davis Albany County Fire Warden/ Adam Vernati Albany County Red Cross Paul Curby Union Pacific Railroad Dave Davenport Union Pacific Railroad Sandra Newland Albany County EMA Beth Young Albany County Public Health Pat Gabriel Albany County Commissioner Mark Holder Ivinson Memorial Hospital Beau Bruanberger Western Research Institute Fred Homer Council Member City of Laramie Mike Johnson Wyoming Highway Patrol Kim Keeling UP Chemical Transport Safety Jerry Kennedy Albany County Commissioners Tim McGary Wyoming Dept. of Transportation Mike Moeller Albany County School District #1 Dale Stalder Laramie Police Chief Jennifer O’Malley Laramie Environmental Health Tom Martin Interfaith Good Samaritan Bob Park Pacific Power ---PAGE BREAK--- 22 I P a g e Jan Warren Quest Communications Bill Sansing Mountain Cement Company Mitch Cushman Laramie Police – LARC T.J. Poll Peak Wellness Center Randy Vickers, Fire Chief EMA Coordinator Sam Vieyara Mayor, City of Rock River Tye Fix Wyoming Dept. of Transportation Kevin White UW Police Department Becky Bond Sinclair Pipeline Derek Mickelson Wyoming Dept. of Transportation Bill Wright ARES Steve Atkins Mountain Cement Safety Manager PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PROCESS 2009 Members of the public, businesses, not for profits, and other interested parties had multiple opportunities to participate in plan development. These opportunities occurred during formally noticed public meetings, city council and county commissioners meetings and the LEPC meeting in July 2009. Notification was also placed in the Laramie Boomerang on the draft process occurring, this information can be found in Appendix B. COUNTY PROFILE Albany County is located in the Southeast corner of Wyoming. As of 2000, the population was 32,014, with 13,269 households, and 7,006 families residing in the county. However, the latest census population estimate (2006) is 30,360, a 5.2 % decrease from 2000. This perceived decline in population does not reflect a change in new business start-ups, construction, or rural development. Albany County also has a transient population due to students at both the University and WyoTech that are not accounted for. Laramie is the largest incorporated municipality in the county with an approximate population of 27,000. Rock River, the other incorporated municipality, has a population ---PAGE BREAK--- 23 I P a g e of 235. The state’s only four-year university, the University of Wyoming, is located in Laramie and has an approximate student population of 11,000. Albany County encompasses a total area of 4,309 square miles with 4,273 square miles being land, 36 square miles being water. Within its boundaries lie the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River. Albany County is also home to Bosler, Buford, The Buttes, Centennial, Garrett, Tie Siding, and Woods Landing-Jelm. Table 1.1 Populations of Incorporated Communities as of April 1, 2000 Census Town/City Population Bosler 0 Buford 2 Buttes 31 Centennial 191 Garrett 20 Laramie 27,204 Rock River 235 Tie Siding 23 Woods Landing - Jelm 100 U.S. Census Bureau (Census.gov) Albany County has a diverse geographical make-up. Two main mountain ranges in the county are the Laramie Mountains in the eastern part and the Snowy Range Mountains to the west. Grassy plains separate the two mountain ranges. The Laramie River is the major stream in the county. There are dams located at Rob Roy Reservoir, Lake Owen Reservoir, Lake Hattie Reservoir, Wheatland Reservoir #2 and and Twin Buttes Reservoir. Chapter eleven discusses dams in Albany County in more detail. The topography ranges from open, high elevation basins and desert land to pine covered mountains. Pine trees in the mountains are currently experiencing severe beetle kill. According to the most recent figures available on County Business Patterns from the U.S. Census Bureau (2000), there were 14,217 business establishments in Albany County. The total annual payroll of the employee’s for this establishment was $492,349,000 in 2000. The sector with the most business establishments in the County was the Services Industry (5,580) followed by Retail Trade (3844); Finance, Insurance, Real Estate (1,482), and Construction (1,110). The Per Capita income in the county in 2005 was $24,732. The average household size in 2005 was 2.13 persons. The median age was 26.9, lower than the national average of 36.4. Also in 2005, 13.3% of individuals were below the poverty level. (http://factfinder.census.gov) ---PAGE BREAK--- 24 I P a g e Interstate I-80 passes through the county running east-west. State Highway 287 runs from the south into Colorado and US 30 runs north into Carbon County, Wyoming. The Union Pacific Railroad runs North and South with US 30 and US 287. Several underground pipelines that transport various products including natural gas, diesel fuel, fuel oil, gasoline, and crude oil can be found across the county. More information on the specific pipelines that run through Albany County can be found in Appendix E. ---PAGE BREAK--- 25 I P a g e Figure 1.1 Albany County Map Figure 1.1 Albany County Map ---PAGE BREAK--- 26 I P a g e VULNERABILTY OF FUTURE BUIDLINGS The following information was obtained by talking with the Albany County Planner, Doug Bryant and by accessing the Albany County Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan is used by other agencies, such as water districts and school districts, to plan for future facilities. Albany County currently does not regulate buildings in the city of Laramie to have any disaster precautions. However, the city and county do regulate building in the flood plains. In flood plains, builders must build up to a minimum elevation or not build in areas that are known to be 100 year flood zones. These building codes are in the comprehensive plan, adopted August 2008, but no efforts have been made toward adoption. New buildings and construction is limited along the Laramie River due to the potential of flooding. A complete copy of the Albany County Comprehensive Plan can be found at www.co.albany.wy.us under the planning department. Albany County EMA also keeps a hardcopy in the office for those wishing to view the plan. There are existing infrastructures that are more of a concern to the community then the future buildings that are being built to code. We have several older buildings and structures such as Clark St. Bridge that need to be repaired and brought up to code. The county needs to identify and inventory buildings, critical facilities, transportation, utilities, communications, hazardous materials facilities, and hospital, fire and police departments. This is included in the county’s goals under the emergency management section. ---PAGE BREAK--- 27 I P a g e 1.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 28 I P a g e 1.3 ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 I P a g e DEVELOPMENT TRENDS Albany County is seeing a slowdown in permits and subdivisions, but there are still areas which are growing or are designated for growth. The area around the City of Laramie is designated for urban expansion. The area to the east of Laramie, which lies over the Casper Aquifer, is generally designated for only large lot rural residential, not urban development. Around the County growth is designated generally to what are called “community centers” and “nodes”. The Jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are similar in development trends; future development will surround these current towns and settlement patterns. Land usage and development trends in hazardous areas have undergone significant changes in the last 10-20 years as a result of awareness and action taken by Albany County. The Casper Aquifer is better protected than before, with limited building/construction allowed. There are no anticipated changes in land use that would increase vulnerability of homes and businesses in Albany County. The county planning department is in charge of ensuring that projects are safe for the owner and the environment prior to land development. As seen in Map 1.3, growth areas are centered on population nodes in Albany County and are projected to remain that way in the years to come. The population in Albany County is not expected to increase within the coming years and so the existing zoning maps accurately reflect what Albany County is dealing with in terms of growth and zoning. The following map 1.4 depicts the growth areas in Albany County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 30 I P a g e 1 4 ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 I P a g e CHAPTER II. PLAN MONITORING, MAINTANCE, REVISION, AND COORDINATION PLAN ADOPTION Many different agencies will be responsible for following the Albany County Hazard Mitigation Plan. The Albany County Commissioners, City of Laramie, and the City of Rock River will have the authority to promote policies regarding hazards. The Albany County EMA office will be the primary authority in maintaining and coordinating the plan adoption by the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River. COORDINATING BODY The Albany County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will be responsible for coordinating implementation of plan action items and undertaking the formal review process, following the Leadership of EMA. The Albany County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator will assist in monitoring and implementing the plan. The Coordinator will be the main contact for the plan. FORMAL REVIEW PROCESS The LEPC will evaluate the Albany County Hazards Mitigation Plan on an annual basis. The LEPC will determine the effectiveness of programs, and reflect changes in programs that may affect mitigation priorities. The evaluation process includes a firm schedule and timeline, and identifies the local agencies and organizations participating in plan evaluation. The EMA Coordinator will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the progress of the mitigation strategies in the plan as well as coordinating with WOHS. Participating jurisdictions will assume the expiration date five years from the first approval date regardless of other participants subsequent adoption dates. When the review takes place, this is what will be looked for: • Have any potential hazards developed that were not addressed in the plan? • Have any natural disaster occurred that were not addressed in the plan? • Has any unanticipated development occurred that is vulnerable to hazards? • Are there any additional mitigation ideas that need to be incorporated? • Have projects been initiated and or completed? • What are the barriers to completing projects identified in the plan? ---PAGE BREAK--- 32 I P a g e Each January the LEPC will meet to review the questions listed above. The discussion will be documented so that when the plan is revised, the findings of the monitoring can be incorporated in the revision. The EMA Coordinator will convene the LEPC for this purpose. In the future the local LEPC and EMA hope to coordinate with the University in planning revisions and updates. HOW WILL THE PLAN BE IMPLEMENTED, MONITORED, AND EVALUATED? The plan maintenance section of this document details the formal process that will ensure that the Albany County Hazards Mitigation Plan remains an active and relevant document. The plan maintenance process includes a schedule for monitoring and evaluating the plan annually and producing a plan revision every five years. This plan section describes how the county will integrate public participation throughout the plan maintenance process. Participating agencies are asked to submit periodic reports that discuss implementing actions, progress and completion dates. The Emergency Management County Coordinator’s office will be responsible for contacting the LEPC to organize an annual meeting to review these reports and changes. The jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are required to review the plan and provide any feedback and to attend all meetings held to review and update the plan. The outcomes of the Mitigation Plan will be incorporated into other plans within the County. The LEPC will use and rely on the plan for guidance and past occurrences. Emergency Management will utilize the plan to seek out grants and projects that fulfill the mitigation requirements outlined in the plan. The Albany County EMA is currently working on revising the Emergency Operations Plan and will include and reference the mitigation plan. The local government will incorporate the Hazard Mitigation Plan and other mitigation strategy information contained within this document into other plans and actions across the county. The Albany County Emergency Management Agency will be responsible for ensuring this occurs as well as scheduling a method of incorporation. Most plans originate or filter through the EMA office. EMA will include the necessary information in future plans and coordinate this operation through other agencies when needed. The LEPC will assist EMA in identifying portions of the plan to be incorporated into other planning efforts in Albany County. The county has not really used the plan from 2003 due to it being outdated and not all inclusive of hazards in the county. There were brief overviews of hazards, but not with enough information or history to make it a reference plan or even a building plan. The revised plan has created a large awareness of possible hazards in our community and several mitigation actions came from this realization. It is the county’s hope that this ---PAGE BREAK--- 33 I P a g e updated plan will be far more effective and practical than the 2003 version. EMA has already begun using the plan in exercises and revisions and updates to the EOP in 2010. Table 2.1 Plan Maintenance and inclusion Plan/Mechanism Name Process related to Hazard Mitigation Specific elements to incorporate Responsible party Timeline Albany County Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Plan and Current use Show known hazard areas, critical infrastructure and where not to develop[ County Planning During next update Albany County Wildfire Mitigation Plan Risk Assessment and or mitigation strategy Wildfire risk assessment, mitigation strategies Fire Chief and Fire Warden During next update Aquifer Protection Plan Risk assessment Public water and conservation acts, areas of concern Public works, water and EMA During next update process Zoning code Development, review process and hazard overlay district Create a hazard overlay to restrict development Administrator of zoning Yearly updates County EOP Risk Assessment, mitigation and prevention Update overall plan for outdated version EMA During next update Snow Plan Mitigation Strategy Establish areas of snow removal and parking allocation Streets, public works and EMA During next update Shelter and evacuation plan Mitigation Strategy Establish shelter areas with supplies and evacuation routes and plans Red Cross, EMA During next plan update ---PAGE BREAK--- 34 I P a g e PLAN UPDATE REVIEW TRIGGERS Any of the following three situations could trigger a review and update of the plan: Occurrence of a major national disaster in or near Albany County Passage of five years Change in state or federal regulations which must meet compliance. REVISION PROCEDURES Should a major national disaster occur in Albany County, the LEPC shall meet following the disaster to determine whether a review of the MHMP is warranted? In the absence of a major natural disaster, the five year review will take place during the six month period preceding the FEMA approval anniversary date. At this time the plan will be analyzed to see if any application and awards for mitigation planning are available, contracting for technical or professional services, planning process to develop the update, state and FEMA reviews, revising the updated plan and finally the plan adoption procedures. Following proper notice in the papers of record, the Albany County Emergency Management Coordinator will convene the LEPC and with their assistance and/or the assistance of the WOHS or a contractor as determined necessary, carry out the following tasks: • Review the Hazard Mitigation Plan Review Crosswalk form completed by WOHS and FEMA during their most recent review of the plan. • Examine and revise the risk assessment data as needed to ensure it is current. • Update the mitigation strategies to incorporate completion of actions and add any needed strategies or projects. • Identify problems that may be hindering or affecting implementation of the plan, and recommend actions for resolving those problems. • Recommend any necessary revisions to the MHMP. • Comply with all applicable regulations and statutes. Forty-five days prior or earlier to the five year anniversary date, a final draft of the revised plan will be submitted to WOHS then passed on up to FEMA. PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT The public is encouraged to be involved in the continual updates of the mitigation plan. They will be notified of the annual meeting through Channel 11 news information, and through the local newspaper. The plan will be made available for them at the fire department, library and on the internet. The LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) will participate in reviewing the plan. Notification of meetings will be made ---PAGE BREAK--- 35 I P a g e in advance to allow ample opportunity for public comment. Public participation will be scheduled in advance to the plan coming up for review. EMA will be the lead agency to organize this effort. Public comments will be included in the plan where appropriate and listed in the appendix. ---PAGE BREAK--- 36 I P a g e VULNERABILTIY BY JURISDICTION Albany County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Vulnerability by population base The above table was developed by Emergency Management based on the hazard risk assessment prepared by the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security. Both the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River as well as Albany County as a whole have not changed in their vulnerability to disasters since the last plan was approved. VULNERABILITY TO REPETITIVE LOSS The hazard that is most associated with repetitive loss is flooding. The areas of Laramie, Centennial and Rock River are not likely to experience damages associated with repetitive loss of flooding due to their proximity to the rivers in the county. The Jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River could be potentially affected by flooding and repetitive loss, but statistics show that this is not the case. Other hazards such as hail, winds, wildfires and winter storms are broad ranging and are not possible to predict an exact location for repetitive loss. Dam Failure Drought Earthquake Flood Hail Hazmat Landslide Lightning Mine Sub. Avalanche Tornado Wildfires Winds Winter Storms Bosler X X X X X X X X X Buford X X X X X X X X X Centennial X X X X X X X X X X X X X X Garrett X X X X X X X X X X X Laramie X X X X X X X X X X X Rock River X X X X X X X X X X X Tie Siding X X X X X X X X X oods Landing/Jelm X X X X X X X X X X X X X ---PAGE BREAK--- 37 I P a g e APPENDIX B: PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT Albany County is working on revising its Mitigation Plan. A mitigation plan entails identifying hazards and assessing the damage hazards could potentially bring to the county. As members of the community, you are Invited to attend a planning session with Albany County Emergency Management to discuss the plan, as it exists so far. The reason for this plan is to keep our community safe, so please come and give your ideas. For more details call Sandra Newland: 721-5314 Meeting to be held on: Wednesday May 6, 2009 Laramie Fire Department Substation 1558 N. 23rd Street at 6:30pm ---PAGE BREAK--- 38 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 39 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 40 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 41 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 42 I P a g e ---PAGE BREAK--- 43 I P a g e CRITICAL PUBLICLY OWNED INFRASTRUCTURE MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE The following information is a listing of the critical infrastructure owned by the local governments listed individually with city/town. The source of the information is provided below each section. Table 2.2 County Infrastructure Laramie Asset Replacement Cost (estimated) City Hall/Fire Hall $7,098,442 City Shop and Garage $1,060,376 Water/Sanitation $1,098,438 Repair and Equipment $173,029 Washington Park $118,659 Turner Pump House $117,464 Filter Plant $404,189 Water Treatment $2,587,703 Landfill/Storage $112,819 Airport $30,710 Animal Shelter $1,215,000 Park Offices and Garage $565,583 Fire Substation $490,980 City Hall Annex $1,938,007 Waste Water $427,058 Lab Control Building $459,806 Blower Building $450,108 Fire Training Building $176,656 Screw Pump Building $354,129 Street Department $25,227 Police Department $1,681,037 Wastewater Treatment Plant $26,784,514 Police Dept Garage $105,805 Recreation Center $14,020,606 Station 3 Fire Department 3.1 Million Maintenance Building $55,962 LARC $40,310 Ice Arena $118,919 Laramie City Landfill $60,000 Cemetery $125,000 Source: Wyoming Association of Risk Management ---PAGE BREAK--- 44 I P a g e Rock River Asset Replacement Cost (estimated) School $13.5 billion Town Hall $500,000 Fire House $500,000 The newest critical facility in the county is the fire station 3 which was completed in February of 2010 costing 3.1 million. All the buildings listed above are considered critical facilities and are of top priority to protect from flooding and other hazards within the county. More planning and consideration need to be placed on how to better protect these infrastructures. A goal has been created to get this need met within the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 45 I P a g e CHAPTER III. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ANALYSIS The Albany County Emergency Management Agency along with the Wyoming State Geological Survey identified potential hazards that effect Albany County, fifteen were considered to be significant and potentially life threatening. Definitions and examples are listed below on twelve of the most prevalent hazards with further explanations and relations to Albany County located in individual chapters addressing each of the fifteen hazards that affect Albany County. Hazardous Materials A hazardous material is defined by the U.S. Department of Transportation, as a threat that poses an unreasonable risk to health and safety of operating or emergency personnel, the public and/or the environment if not properly controlled during handling, storage manufacturing, processing, packaging, use, disposal, or transportation. The hazard risk in Albany County involves many of the features that comprise the county. Transportation accidents on Interstate 80 are a significant hazard. Many trucks transport hazardous materials so there is the potential for a hazardous materials component in any transportation accident. Additionally, Interstate 80 crosses the Casper Aquifer that is a major source of drinking water for residents of Laramie and Albany County. Transportation accidents in the vicinity of the Casper Aquifer have the potential to contaminate the drinking water supply. Other accidents involving the railroad, pipelines, and other vehicles also have the potential to contaminate the streams, underground water levels, the land, and the air. The 2007 report of the State Emergency Response Committee (parent to our LEPC), identifies that there was an excess of 70,000 placarded hazardous materials shipments on Albany County roadways last year. The Union Pacific Railroad reports more than 70,000 placarded containers passed through Albany County and nearly 70,000 placarded railcars. There are hundreds of miles of gas and flammable liquid pipelines in the county and many fixed facilities meeting community right to know trigger requirements filing hazardous materials statements to the local LEPC. The presence of the potential for a hazardous materials disaster is well documented. Controls in place include federal and state regulation of minimum safety handling and labeling, (tier two), City enforcement of Uniform Fire and Building Codes regulating hazardous material storage and use and Department of Transportation plack carding and transport requirements. The University of Wyoming has a regulated material handling division and the Environmental Health and Safety Office on campus who supervises the storage and use of hazardous materials. Responses to these emergencies are certified by a technician from the Laramie Fire Department. Problem areas include a lack of code enforcement outside municipal limits and a lack of jurisdictional authority in the Laramie ---PAGE BREAK--- 46 I P a g e Fire Department to respond to the northern half of the county. Deficiencies in the warning systems of both city and county have been identified as a problem. The new CodeRED system installed in October of 2008 helps eradicate the delinquency of the old warning system within the county. As of January 2010 Albany County EMA has been actively seeking funding to upgrade or completely replace the outdated existing siren system. Wildland Fire Wildland fire is defined as an uncontrolled fire spreading through vegetation fuels, exposing and possibly consuming structures. The wildland fire problem is historically documented. There were two FEMA qualifying wildland fires in northern Albany County in the 2002 fire season (Hensal and Reese) the combined total cost of suppression for these two fires exceeded $3 million dollars. There are eight rural fire departments with a total of more than 90 volunteer fire fighters in Albany County. Laramie is served by a paid 43-member department. There are 19 forestry owned trucks in rural Albany County. The highest priority need identified is the wildland/urban interface, and in particular those residential enclaves located within the National Forest. Forest management policy has significantly reduced the number of logging roads, which provide both firebreak and emergency evacuation opportunities. The lack of logging and logging roads also contributes to; beetle kill and an excessive build-up of heavy fuels exposing the interface areas to overwhelming potential to be overrun. Fuels reduction and defensible space development are identified as action items of highest priority. The beetle kill problem has created a substantial threat to the County and the possibility for wildfires has increased. Chapter six describes wildland fires and addresses the U.S. National Fire Danger Rating System. Severe Thunderstorms Severe thunderstorms encompass hail, lightening and tornados in Albany County. The county has a strong history of all the above and thunderstorms are considered a high threat. Thunderstorms with lightning, winds, and damaging hail frequently occur in the summer months. Tornadoes also pose a threat in Albany County. Damages can impact electricity, water supply and transportation. Assets in the county can be tied up trying to repair damages sustained from severe thunderstorms. The TORRO Hailstorm Intensity Scale was referenced for data in Chapter seventeen, on tornadoes as was the Enhanced Fujita Tornado Damage Scale. Land Subsidence Land Subsidence is a gradual settling or sudden sinking of the Earth’s surface owing to subsurface movement of Earth materials. This is often related to roof collapses in mined out areas. This is a minor threat in Albany County with little impact. ---PAGE BREAK--- 47 I P a g e Flood Flooding is a general and temporary condition of unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source. Flood areas along the Laramie River and tributaries are identified, particularly within the corporate limits. Additional work on drainage in south Laramie is identified as an action item need. Planning regulations to keep new construction out of identified flood zones is an action item. The following website provided a historical base for floods in Albany County. www.fema.gov/hazard/map/index.shtm Flooding can be very damaging to private homes and businesses along the river line and in the down town district in Laramie. The jurisdiction of Rock River is also located along the Laramie River and flooding could damage local homes and businesses in the area. Earthquake Earthquakes are also a possibility in Albany County. Numerous quakes have been felt with over thirty magnitude 3.0 and greater earthquakes and hundreds of smaller earthquakes. In addition, problems, such as leaks can occur with buried pipelines. Wyoming Geological Survey provides historical information, which documents that Albany County is the most highly active seismic area in Wyoming outside of Yellowstone/Teton National Parks. Action items identified include a need for better warning system, (earthquake can’t be predicted but the aftermath of large quakes includes a need to deal with ruptured gas and flammable liquid tanks and pipelines as well as a high potential for fire). Building codes as a means to mitigate through adaptive construction are also high priority issues to address. Earthquakes have the potential to affect critical infrastructure in the county and damage the assets and resources. The following website provided historical information for earthquakes in Albany County http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ Mined Out, Windblown and Landslide Areas Unstable and unsuitable for building terrain areas are identified as landslide areas. An action item is to seek to create no build zones in these areas. Information was aided by the following website http://landslides.usgs.gov. Mined out, windblown and landslide areas are minimal in Albany County, but are still a threat. The Beaufort scale was used in chapter fourteen to measure wind speeds. Dam Failure ---PAGE BREAK--- 48 I P a g e Dam failure incidents involve unintended releases or surges of impounded water. Dam failure can be caused by earthquakes, blockages, landslides, lack of maintenance, improper operation, poor construction, vandalism, and terrorism. Dam failures have the potential to wipe out communities in Albany County. Dams will be discussed further in chapter thirteen. Winter Storms/Blizzards Winter storms and blizzards are the most common threat to Albany County. The National Weather Service has provided significant historical documentation on the threat and damages caused within Albany County by winter storms and blizzards. Severe winter weather is another hazard risk in Albany County. High winds, snowfall, fog, and icy roads often result in road closures, especially on Interstate 80. Travelers must be safely sheltered and cared for during episodes of emergency road closures. In addition, the essential services of the county must be maintained during episodes of severe weather. Caring for livestock is another area of concern during a winter storm. Winter storms and blizzards can have a tremendous impact on assets. The county has limited funding for providing sheltering, limited spaces and limited equipment to set these shelters up. Droughts Droughts are a potential problem when there is little rain or snowfall accumulation. With one of the primary businesses in the area being agriculture, droughts can pose a serious economical impact to the County. The following website provided detailed historical data for droughts in Albany County www.drought.unl.edu/dm/index.html. The Keetch- Byram Drought Index (KBDI) ranges from 0 to 800, where a drought index of 0 represents no moisture depletion, and an index of 800 represents absolutely dry conditions, this is referenced in chapter eight. The Palmer Drought Severity Index and the Standardized Precipitation Index was also consulted. Avalanches The Medicine Bow National Forest experiences avalanches almost every year. In the last twenty five year period, two deaths have been reported from avalanches within Albany County. Overall Wyoming ranks fifth among the eight states with the most avalanche fatalities. The following website provided an accident database for avalanches, http://avalanche.org. Avalanches risk people’s lives and structures in Albany County. Man/Made Terrorism ---PAGE BREAK--- 49 I P a g e Albany County is considered to be a low risk for potential man-made and terrorism threats, but the possibility is always present. The overall impact could be detrimental for Albany County. The possibility exists due to Albany County’s location on I-80 and the railroad as well as the University of Wyoming being located in the jurisdiction of Laramie. DISASTER MANAGEMENT There is no consideration of an interoperable mobile communications (radio) system or for a redundant emergency communication facility (fixed and mobile). Wyolink is in the works in Albany County, which should be fully functional in the community by summer 2010. Also a fully functioning emergency operations center (EOC) is necessary for the county. Albany County does not have a functioning EOC or alternate communications system, which can be an issue especially when considering communications for wildland fires, or any critical incidents (natural or manmade) that call on outside resources (police, fire, EMS, etc.). These issues have been discussed at length over the years and would certainly be beneficial in the event of almost any of the described hazardous events. The Laramie Fire Department is building a new fire station that will house a permanent EOC for Albany County. The facility will need to be fully equipped for operation, grant money will be sought out to assist. The communications system is gradually improving with the implementation of CodeRED and WYOlink. The Public Entity Risk Institute has not recorded any presidential declarations for Albany County. HAZARD RISK ANALYSIS Based on the history and potential future of hazards in Albany County, the LEPC and public have selected the following to be addressed in detail of this plan: winter storms and blizzards, hazardous materials, wildfires, lighting, hail, droughts, earthquakes, floods, dam failures, landslides, mine subsidence, wind, avalanches and tornadoes. Hazards that were not addressed further were those considered unlikely to occur in the next 100 years or those that have not been shown to have a historical impact on life safety and property. The following hazards are ranked according to the risk to people and property for each hazard. At the end of each of the following hazard specific chapters there is a summary of the risk to people and property for each hazard.  High: The ranking carries the highest threat. The potentials of these threats occurring in Albany County are a matter of “when” not “if”. Hazards in this category have already occurred in the past or are likely to occur.  Medium: This ranking carrier a moderate threat level to Albany County. The potential for damage is more isolated and less costly than those categorized as a high threat. ---PAGE BREAK--- 50 I P a g e  Low: This is the lowest ranking for the hazards in this plan. The occurrence is considered minimal. Estimates of potential losses were developed based primarily upon HAZUS info and flood plain maps, also considering historical occurrence info. Reference was also made to Keetch-Bryon Drought Index, Palmer Drought Severity Index, Standardized Precipitation Index, The U.S. drought monitor, Heat Index Charts, Torro Hailstorm Intensity Scale, Beaufort scale, Flash Density Maps, Enhanced Fujita Scale and the KBDI Fire Danger Rating system. The narratives in the hazard assessment chapters provide information on future impacts for each hazard including potential losses when possible. ---PAGE BREAK--- 51 I P a g e CHAPTER IV. WINTER STORMS AND BLIZZARDS Severe winter storms and blizzards are the most common hazards in Albany County and can occur in ten months of the year, while snow can occur in all of the months of the year. “Blizzard conditions” occur when strong winds (at least 35 mph) combine with either falling snow or snow on the ground to reduce visibilities to 1/4 mile or less for at least three hours. These severe winter storms impact work and travel while isolating communities and killing livestock. HISTORY The winter storm history in Albany County extends from 1886 to present. The data was derived from the Storm Data reports from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Other sources were found in newspaper accounts and periodicals from Albany County Public Library. TABLE 4.1 SEVERE WEATHER EVENTS 1949- PRESENT Year Month Event Location Damage/Effects 1886 Blizzard Statewide The winter of 1886-1887 was the earliest severe economic disruption. The snow that winter came early and grew. A freak thaw turned much of this snow into water. As cold weather moved back in, this froe into a crust of ice, which prevented cattle from getting through to the forage underneath. These conditions, accompanied by blizzards of unusual severity, caused a loss of over 50 percent among the State’s livestock operations. The snow was six feet deep on the level between Mountain Home and Woods Landing. Trains were stalled on their tracks. Loss of 50% of livestock operations 1888 January Blizzard Statewide This blizzard covered a number of states. The combination of strong winds, snow and rapid temperature drops made it very dangerous. Loss of life was great and thousands of cattle died. 1931 March Blizzard Statewide This blizzard covered several states. Temperatures dropped rapidly. Strong winds drifted snow badly, blocking highways for several days. Two people died in Wyoming. 2 deaths 1949 January Blizzard Eastern and Central Wyoming This is the most significant blizzard in Wyoming’s history. Snowfall measured up to 30 inches, with drifts 20 to 30 feet high. Within 24 hours all road, bus and railroad traffic was halted. Thirty-three hundred miles of state highway lay in the storm area; there was an estimated loss of 15% of the State’s cattle. Seventeen people perished, along with 55,000 head of cattle and more than 105,000 sheep. “It is estimated from reports of field men that 4,194 people received aid through the Interior Department operations; that 104,839 cattle and 421,479 sheep were relieved. A total of 12,894 miles of roads and feed lanes were opened; 1,457 tons of food, fuel, and other supplies were hauled over opened roads.” The total economic loss was estimated at over $9 million. 17 deaths ---PAGE BREAK--- 52 I P a g e 1950 March Blizzard Statewide Heavy snow and strong winds covered much of several states; including Wyoming. Snowfall up to 60 inches fell in Wyoming. There was widespread damage to power lines and many cards and trains were stranded. Drifts were up to 16 feet deep. 1 death 1961 May Blizzard Albany County Over one thousand people stranded on highways and in Laramie 1955 February Blizzard Statewide Up to 11 inches of snow fell with winds to 65mph and temperatures below zero. 4 deaths 1957 March Snow Storm Statewide Heavy Snowfall, drifts were from 10 to 25 feet deep and many motorist were trapped in card or snow bound in towns. 1961 October Winter Storm Statewide Snow accompanied by high winds began early afternoon and continued throughout the evening. Three people were killed and four were injured in auto accidents caused by low visibility. Two hunters were lost and died in the storm. Over one thousand people stranded on highway and in Laramie. 5 deaths and $27,500 in damages 1962 January Cold Snap Albany County Temperatures dropped from -36 to -44 1963 January Cold Snap Laramie Laramie reached its coldest temperature ever at 50 below 1965 September Winter Storm Statewide A cold wave moved over the state the evening of the 15th and caused considerable damage to crops, trees, and power and phone lines, stopped much of the transportation by closing roads, caused an estimated 5% shrinkage in marketable livestock and a few losses in livestock. $21,739.13 in 1965 $ and $150,725.44 in 2008 $ 1968 April Blizzard Southern half of Wyoming Roads, UP and schools closed for three days in Albany County 3 deaths 1985 Avalanche Med. Bow National Forest Avalanche in Medicine Bow National Forest, a skier was killed 1 death 1973 March Winter Storm Statewide The community was covered with 13.8 inches of snow. There were numerous power and communications outages as well as livestock losses. The National Guard opened roads for emergency vehicles. $275,000 1973 December Winter Storm Albany County 11 consecutive days with temperatures below zero 1975 March Blizzard Statewide A severe blizzard with winds 40 to 50 mph and gusts to 75mph, snow and temperatures down to o degrees. Most damage was to livestock, especially new born. $2,750,000 1976 January Blizzard Most of Wyoming Heavy snow with strong winds. Livestock losses were minimal and most of the damage is attributed to loss of time, cars stuck, rescue missions and snow removal $275,000 1977 November Snow Storm Wyoming Snow with large accumulations entered the state followed by heavy winds. Lots of people were stranded due to the closed roads. 1 death 1978 December Snow Storm Statewide A very heavy snowstorm dumped over a foot of snow followed by winds gusting to over 75mph caused extensive blowing and drifting of snow. Isolated livestock and caused losses. $275,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- 53 I P a g e 1979 January Snow Storm Statewide Numerous heavy snow storms and extremely cold temperatures have caused widespread damage across the state. Estimated loss of 2700 sheep and 2000 cattle with projected losses of calves and lambs to 35,000 head are reported. Extensive damages to water systems due to frozen water mains. Winter Storm Relief Act of $2.5 million requested. $21739.13 in 1979 $ and $64,595.98 in 2008 $ 1980 January Snow Storm Statewide Interstate 25 from Laramie to Utah was closed by winds approaching 80mph. An estimated 60 vehicles were in the ditch a long I-80 west of Rawlins. Reported 90 mph winds in Medicine Bow. Several schools closed 4 deaths 1980 October Blizzard Statewide Heavy snow and blizzard like conditions. Several vehicle accidents, one plane crash and a freight train plowing into the back of a grain train killing two crew members. Schools were closed throughout most of the state. 4 deaths 1983 April Winter Storm Laramie 18.1 inches of snow fall 1983 November Winter Storm Statewide The greatest damage occurred to homes and businesses as hundreds of water pipes froze and burst. 16.4 inches of snow fall in Laramie Wyoming. $2,750,000 1988 March Winter Storm Laramie The community was covered with 10 inches of snow 1990 March Blizzard Laramie 14” Shelter set up for 250 clients due to closed roads 1992 December Winter Storm Laramie Bitter cold temperatures -20 at Laramie 1994 February Winter Storm Southern Wyoming Seven inches of snow combined with 35mph gusts cased over 40 automobile crashes around Cheyenne and Laramie. 1996 January Blizzard Albany, Carbon and Laramie Counties Widespread blowing snow created near zero visibilities over the south central part of the state. Interstate I-80 was closed to and from Laramie 1996 October Blizzard Albany, Carbon, Platte, Niobrara and Laramie Counties The snow and winds closed many roads in the area. The heaviest snowfall way in the Laramie Mountains and Snowy Range, where 12 to 18 inches of snow were reported. The combination of snow and wind created many power outages across the South eastern part of Wyoming. $20,000 in 1996 $ and $27,368.39 in $2008 $ 1997 April Winter Weather Albany Winter weather storm came through Albany County $714,285.71 in 1997 $ $952,380.95 in 2008 $ 1997 October Blizzard/Ice Albany and Carbon County An accident near Laramie involving a bus injured at least 30 people. Icy conditions created a 20 mile long back up of traffic headed westbound on I-80 near the summit rest area between Laramie and Cheyenne. Postal delivery services were shut down in Cheyenne, the first time in fifteen years damages in crops as well. 1 death and 30 injuries, $100,000 ---PAGE BREAK--- 54 I P a g e 1997 December Winter Storm Albany Winter storms caused several accidents and 18 people were injured and one death. $50,000 in 1997 $ 66,666.67 in 2008 $ 1998 October Blizzard Albany, Carbon and Laramie Counties I-80 closed with white out conditions, Buford also experiencing complete white out conditions. $56,250.00 in 1998 $ and $74050.18 in 2008 $ 1999 December Blizzard Albany Four injuries and one fatality $45,000 in 1999 $ and $58,500.06 in 2008 $ 1999 March Winter Storm Albany Winter storm came through the county creating accidents and utility shutdowns. $25,000 in 1999 $ and $32,500.03 in 2008 $ 2000 September Blizzard Laramie Roads closed and shelters were opened. I-80 closed due to numerous wrecks. $100,000 2001 April Blizzard Laramie Roads, Businesses and Government offices closed 2002 December Avalanche Snowy Range Snowmobiler was killed 1 death 2003 March Blizzard Albany, Carbon, Converse, Goshen and Platte Counties Laramie had two feet of snow, wind gusts to 50mph with drifts $100,000 2005 June Snow Storm Laramie Late snow storm caused broken branches and downed power lines 2007 February Snow Storm Laramie Albany County EMA opens shelter for 90 students stranded The snow, ice, and extended periods of cold associated with winter storms could potentially affect Albany County’s infrastructure. For example, heavy snow and ice precipitation could shut down county transportation systems. Blocked roads and railroads could result in the county being shut off from supplies, of food, water, fuel, medical supplies and emergency services. County power and communication systems could also be compromised due to winter storms. Power and phone lines could freeze or be knocked down. Lack of electricity and communication services could further hinder residents’ ability to sustain them throughout a storm. Stranded motorists and people unexpectedly caught outside in winter storms risk hypothermia, starvation, and even death without adequate shelter, food, and water supplies. Search and rescue teams and emergency medical services could be strained by attempts to rescue such people. Winter storms could also cause structural damage to county buildings and residences. Heavy snow loads can collapse roofs and extreme cold temperatures can freeze water pipes. ---PAGE BREAK--- 55 I P a g e Albany County has large ranching communities and wildlife populations that may also be impacted by severe winter storms. Freezing streams can make water supplies scarce for both livestock and wildlife. Heavy snowfall could hinder both the animals’ ability to find food and ranchers’ attempts to bring food to their livestock. Finally, without adequate shelter, prolonged exposure to cold and wet conditions could ultimately result in loss of life. Avalanches are also a possibility. The two main mountain ranges in Albany County are the Laramie Mountains in the eastern part, and the Snowy Range Mountains to the west. Each receives large amounts of snowfall, making the County susceptible to avalanches. According to the Colorado Geological Survey, avalanches in Albany County include one person’s death in 1985, and one in 2002 with a snowmobiler buried and killed on the west side of the Snowy Range. Avalanches are discussed further in Chapter sixteen. The county can educate people about the risks of unstable snow and proper gear to have while in high country. Finally, flood events may result from winter storms if warm temperatures cause large snow packs to melt quickly. IMPACTS Winter storms usually affect a significant part of the state of Wyoming and are thus difficult to describe regionally. In 2004 the statewide impact was $400,972,900. The actual statewide impacts are much greater because of the effects on transportation and because of loss of life and injuries. It is estimate the county impact is 18,000,000 yearly. FUTURE IMPACTS Based on the history of winter storms and blizzards in Albany County, we can guarantee that these storms will continue to affect the county on a regular basis. Life safety will continue to be a concern with the I-80 and US 287-US 30 corridors traveling through the county. Winter storms often strand motorists and contribute to multi-vehicle pileups. The isolation of towns across Albany County is also a concern when roads are closed. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Medium POPULATION AFFECTED: High PROBABILTIY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Both the Jurisdictions within the county are affected as well as other outlining communities. ---PAGE BREAK--- 56 I P a g e CHAPTER V. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS AND WASTE Hazardous wastes are discarded materials with properties that make them potentially harmful to human health or the environment. Hazardous wastes can include things such as chemicals, heavy metals, or substances generated as byproducts during commercial manufacturing processes, as well as discarded household products like paint thinners, cleaning fluids, and old batteries. Hazardous wastes can be in the form of liquids, solids, contained gases, or sludge’s. Much of this hazardous material is stored in landfills or other containment areas. If these hazardous waste sites are not properly designed or managed, their contents can be released into the surrounding environment, posing a threat to public health. To address this issue, the NIEHS has created a Hazardous Waste Worker Training Program to support the safety and health of workers engaged in activities related to hazardous waste and chemical emergency response. The U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration all have responsibilities in regards to hazardous materials and waste. The definitions and responsibilities of these two agencies are described below. The U.S. Department of Transportation has control over hazardous materials that are transported. They define hazardous materials as “A substance or material that the Secretary of Transportation has determined is capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when transported in commerce, and has designated as hazardous under section 5103 of Federal hazardous materials transportation law (49 U.S.C. 5103).” The U.S. Department of Transportation has nine classes of hazardous materials: 1. Explosives 2. Gases 3. Flammable Liquids and Combustible Liquids 4. Flammable Solid, Spontaneously Combustible, and Dangerous when Wet 5. Oxidizer and Organic Peroxide 6. Poison (toxic) and Poison Inhalation Hazard 7. Radioactive 8. Corrosive 9. Miscellaneous The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency also has responsibility for hazardous materials that have the potential to be released into the environment through facilities. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) addresses through the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), the need for facilities with hazardous waste substances to store the materials in approved containments. Hazardous waste regulations appear in Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations. ---PAGE BREAK--- 57 I P a g e The EPA tracks chemical releases by state and county as well as waste transfer reports. Albany County has gone from releasing 115,301lbs in 2003 to 66,634lbs in 2007, the last available data. The releases in Albany County are all from the Mountain Cement Plant, located in Laramie, Wyoming. The epa.gov site tracks all onsite and offsite disposal and release of hazardous chemicals. Table 5.1 below shows air emissions 2002-2007 in Albany County. These numbers represented pounds. No waste transfers were found to be conducted in Albany County. Table 5.1 EPA Chemical Releases 2002-2007 Albany County Year Fugitive Air Stack Air Total Air Emissions 2002 0 65,869 65,869 2003 0 66,596 66,596 2004 0 67,105 67,105 2005 66 63,673 63,739 2006 58 64,607 64,665 2007 58 66,391 66,448 The Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA) require regulated entities to report information about hazardous chemicals and substances at their facilities to Federal, State, and Local authorities. The objective is to improve the safety of stored hazardous chemicals and to reduce the threat of chemical emergencies within the facility. This act also provides citizens with access to chemicals that are present within their communities. “Part of EPA’s mission is to ensure that Federal facilities comply with these requirements. Sections 301 and 303 EPCRA mandate the creation of two organizations; the State Emergency Response Commission (SERC) and the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC). Sections 311-312 of the EPCRA require facilities to submit material safety data sheets or Tier II forms (lists of hazardous chemicals on site above threshold quantities) to SERC’s, LEPC’s and local fire departments.” These are submitted yearly and kept on file for first responders and the public to access. HISTORY Albany County has Interstate 80 as a major transportation route that crosses the southern part of the County. Transportation accidents on Interstate 80 are a significant hazard. Many trucks are now transporting hazardous materials across the county. Additionally, Interstate 80 crosses the Casper Aquifer, which is a major source of drinking water for residents of Laramie and Albany County. Transportation accidents in the vicinity of the Casper Aquifer have the potential to contaminate the drinking water supply. Accidents involving the railroad, pipelines, and other vehicles also have the potential to contaminate the streams, underground water levels, the land, and the air. ---PAGE BREAK--- 58 I P a g e Several underground pipelines transport various products including natural gas, diesel fuel, fuel oil, gasoline, and crude oil across the county. Companies such as Conoco Pipeline, the Kaneb Pipeline, Kinder Morgan, Sinclair Pipeline, Williams Pipeline, and Colorado Interstate Gas, have pipelines throughout the county (FIGURE 5.1). Potential leaks could cause problems. All pipelines have markers indicating where the pipelines are, and this is to ensure that pipelines are not damaged by digging or other accidents. Those that live near a pipeline should use sight, smell, and sound to make sure the pipelines are not leaking. A listing of pipelines in Albany County is included in Appendix E. In recent years, there have been increases in number of hazardous materials spills in the county. Since 1992 Albany County has experienced numerous spills on highways and railroads. Histories of shipments for both Interstate 80 west and eastbound and Hwy 287 from the past three years can be received upon request. Other roads in Albany County did not have significant amounts of hazardous materials transported on them. Union Pacific is the major railroad that travels through Albany County. Data records show that for year 2001, there were 36,789 plaque carded railroad cars that traveled through Laramie. There were also 42,779 plaque carded intermodal loads (truck trailers riding on a flatcar), for a total of 79,568 plaque carded loads of hazardous material through Laramie in 2001. For 2002, as of October 30, 2002, there have been 29,632 carloads, and 32,013 intermodal loads, for a total of 61,645 plaque carded loads through Laramie. In the years ranging from 1992 through 2000 there have been at least 7 derailments in the county. Derailments involved spills of cement, phosphorus, sulfuric acid, and 3000 gallons of corrosive herbicide. In 1995 there was one death due to a derailment. The University of Wyoming has over 400 chemical laboratories that contain many types of chemicals, each in mostly small quantities. The approximately 30 laboratories using radioactive materials have placards on the doors and signs within the laboratory identifying the location where radioactive materials are used and stored. Radioactive materials are used in small quantities at UW and are considered low risk to emergency responders in the event of unintentional releases. Of the laboratories, approximately 50 also conduct biological research. Few of the biological materials studied at UW are infectious. Biohazard signs mark infectious materials storage areas and waste containers. All wastes marked as bio-hazardous are decontaminated before disposal. One laboratory studies indigenous wildlife diseases and is designated for study of “select agents.” The federal government requires all such select agent laboratories to adopt high security procedures and provide secure facilities, and UW has done this. ---PAGE BREAK--- 59 I P a g e The USDA Arthropod Borne Animal Disease Research Laboratory (ABADRL) biological containment building is used to study certain wildlife diseases that are spread by biting insects. Some disease organisms studied at this facility are considered to have serious consequences in the case of a laboratory infection or if released into the wildlife populations. Therefore the facility, and personnel and experimental procedures used at this facility are trained to minimize uncontrolled release of biological materials. The University has prepared additional security plans and other procedures to meet the new requirements of the new Select Agent Regulation 42 CFR 73. The University’s Emergency Response Plan was completed in 2004 which outlines three plans to deal with security, emergency incidents, and bio safety. Another threat to Albany County is Coastal Chem. Inc. now renamed Dyno Nobel, located in Cheyenne, Wyoming. It manufactures industrial and agricultural nitrogen based products. These products include Ammonia, Ammonium Nitrate Prill (HiDAN and LoDAN), Ammonium Nitrate Liquid Urea Prill, Urea-Ammonium Nitrate Solution, and Carbon Dioxide. The facility also produces two petrochemical products, Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether (MTBE) and Methanol. All of these products are shipped from the facility by both truck and rail and have the potential to pass through Albany County. Table 5.2 Hazardous Events from 1975-current YEAR MONTH EVENT LOCATION DAMAGE/EFFECTS COST 1975 Derailment/fire Tie Siding Phosphorus spill 1979 Spill Laramie Insecticide 1980 Spill I-80 W. Laramie Insecticide 1992 Derailment South of Laramie Union Pacific 1992 January Derailment/Spill 3000 gallons of corrosive herbicide Laramie River Banks Contaminated 1993 Spill Fosters 200 gallons of diesel fuel Contaminated river 1995 November Derailment 5 Miles S. Laramie Had to evacuate residents to shelters 1 death 1996 Derailment/ Spill South of Bosler Sulfuric Acid spill 1998 July Derailment Bosler Area 22 cars off track 2 deaths 2000 June Derailment Mountain Cement Cement Ruined ---PAGE BREAK--- 60 I P a g e 2000 June 29th Spill High Country Sportsman 160-160 gallons of diesel fuel 2001 July Spill S. of Laramie Bridge Collapse Spill in Laramie River 2001 August Spill 5th and grand Cleaning fluid from dry cleaners 2001 January Spill I-80 mile 317 200 gallon diesel fuel ---PAGE BREAK--- 61 I P a g e Figure 5.1 Field Boundaries for pipelines in Albany County ---PAGE BREAK--- 62 I P a g e IMPACTS From 2004 to May of 2009 the Region three RERT (Regional Emergency Response Team) has been activated eight times. Region three has already been called upon in 2010 and the K-9 unit out of Rawlins is used frequently. These activations were for biological cleanup, hazmat cleanup, fire, crashes, and once for a criminal situation. There is not readily available data on response and cleanup costs. It is estimated that the costs are thousands of dollars each year. FUTURE IMPACTS Hazardous materials and spills do and will affect Albany County. Presently I-80 is designated as a corridor for radioactive shipments. A map showing the distribution of Risk Management Plan facilities is below; Albany County does not have any facilities that pose a great risk to our communities. Figure 5.2 Risk Management Plan facilities in Wyoming ---PAGE BREAK--- 63 I P a g e SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Low POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILITY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Medium, mostly the jurisdiction of Laramie. ---PAGE BREAK--- 64 I P a g e CHAPTER VI. WILDLAND FIRES AND FIRES Albany County has a semi-arid climate and is very rural in character leading to a greater chance for wildland fires. The county has heavy fuel continuity across forested areas, coupled with a history of wind driven fires. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) defines a wildland fire as a “non-structure fire, other than prescribed fire, that occurs in the wildland.” Albany County has over forty-five forested wildland urban interface communities, with over 1,050 cabins and home sites comprised of mostly intermittent residents. Both the Snowy Range and the Laramie Mountains are included in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Wildland fires often occur in the forest, especially in the summertime. The wildland fire potential increases during years when there are below average amounts of winter snowfall or spring and summer rainfall. Albany County forests are currently infested with the mountain pine beetle. Pine beetle causes timber mortality, providing more fuel for potential fires. The pine beetle infestation leads to a greater risk for fueling these wildland fires and threatening the growing home population in the Medicine Bow National Forest. As the population and the wildland urban interface increases, so does the risk of wildland fire as a hazard to these structures. Climate change has also increased the fire seasons with fires starting earlier and the season lasting longer. Wildfires are an ever present hazard in Albany County as well as across Wyoming. Albany County has been working closely with the Fire Warden, Forest Service and volunteer fire departments to work on reducing vegetation that acts as fuel. Education efforts have been made to encourage private owners to clear their land of dead standing trees in an attempt to mitigation fuel sources if and when fires start in the Medicine Bow National Forest. Albany County EMA and the Fire Warden have been developing evacuation plans for those communities located in Medicine Bow National Forest. These plans should be completed by summer of 2010 with annual updates being made. The initial portions of these plans are included in appendix D. ---PAGE BREAK--- 65 I P a g e Figure 6.1 Map of Pine Beetle Infestation ---PAGE BREAK--- 66 I P a g e In the recent past Albany County has experienced severe drought conditions making wildland fires even more of a reality. See Figures 6.3 & 6.4 for Albany County’s wildland fire hazard levels. Table 6.3 gives the exposure value for each census block in Albany County. Wyoming wildland fires are managed and supported to varying extents through cooperative efforts by the: • Albany County Fire District #1 • Albany County Fire Warden • Bureau of Land Management • Geospatial Multi-Agency Coordination • Wyoming Fire Academy • Wyoming Wildland Fire Plan Action Team • National Park Service, Fire Management Program • US Fish and Wildlife Service, Fire Management Branch • National Interagency Fire Center • Bureau of Indian Affairs, Fire and Aviation Management • USDA Forest Service, Fire and Aviation Management • Wyoming State Forestry Division • Local City and Rural Fire Departments ---PAGE BREAK--- 67 I P a g e Location Approx # of Volunteers/Paid Capabilities # of Apparatus Big Laramie 30 volunteer Wildland, limited structure, and limited EMS 10 engines Centennial 20 volunteer Wildland, structure, and EMS 8 engines Garrett 7 volunteer Wildland 2 engines Laramie 44 paid Extrication, structure, wildland, hazmat, S&R, and medical response 8 engines+ hazmat trailer Laramie Peak 16 volunteer Wildland 13 engines Little Laramie 20 volunteer Wildland 3 engines Rock River 14 volunteer Wildland, Structure, EMS 5 engines Sybille 15 volunteer Wildland 10 engines Tie Siding 9 volunteer Wildland/Urban Interface 1 engine Vedauwoo 16 volunteer S&R, Structural, Wildland, Medical Response, Extrication 8 engines Table 6.1 County Fire Divisions ---PAGE BREAK--- 68 I P a g e 6.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 69 I P a g e The communities and the County work together on most of the wildland fires, sharing fire stations, apparatus, volunteers, and equipment. In addition to local resources, Wyoming Division of Forestry, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the Forest Service (FS) fight fires in the County, either assisting local resources in the case of the state, or having primary responsibility on federal lands. The County has a Fire Warden, an Assistant Fire Warden, and Albany County Fire District The County Fire Warden is in control of the northern portion of Albany County and monitors Garrett, Laramie Peak, and Sybille Volunteer Fire Departments. Fire District #1 monitors and assists the southern half of the county including, Big Laramie, Centennial, Laramie, Little Laramie, Rock River, Tie Siding, and Vedauwoo departments. HISTORY The Wildland fire history for the state of Wyoming has been compiled in the Wyoming Multi-hazard Mitigation Plan from various state and federal resources. Unfortunately the data does not provide detail to the county level; as a result there is not an accurate estimate on all wildland fires in the County. Table 5.2 lists wildland fires in Albany County starting in 1960. Due to inconsistent reporting/recording of types of fires some wildfires may be missing from the table. Albany County has a history of high fire occurrences with frequent large fires in the Laramie Peak area and fire occurrence in other geographical areas to be low to moderate. Date Location Estimated Property Damage Information 1-Sep-60 Near Keystone 350 acres burned 1980 Fireworks Stand on 287 4 deaths explosion 12-Nov- 91 Johnson Ranch $100,000 Propane Explosion 1995 15th and Bill Nye Brush Fire 1995 UBC Brush Fire 7-Aug-96 Bear Creek, N. Albany County 5-7 thousand acres burned with 6 buildings 1996 Vee Bar Ranch Wildland fire 1996 Roger’s Canyon Wildland fire Jun-00 Medicine Bow NF 5 Acres Burned 2001 June Bill Nye, Sherman Hills Grass Fire 2001 July Eagle Cliff on Pole Mountain Forest Fire 2001 July Leroy Forest Fire 5,600 acres burned 2001 Sept. Lightning Fire Harmony 100 acres burned 1-Oct-01 Rock River Rancher’s Supply Total loss of business Propane Leak–fire/explosion Apr-02 Laramie Grass Fire from Fireworks, several acres ---PAGE BREAK--- 70 I P a g e burned Apr-02 Simon Ranch, Hwy 230 25 acres burned Apr-02 Storage Unit, Laramie $1,500 2 juveniles burned structure damage 10-Aug- 03 US 287 Grass fire started by train 1-Jan-04 Osprey Road Hay bales, started by wood stove sparks 4-Jun-04 Mason Lane Small Hay Fire 4-Aug-04 US 287 Tree hit by lightening 17-Jul-05 Buford 2 Acres damaged Lightening strike 22-Jul-05 Hwy 230 1 acre One injury 31-Jul-05 US 287 Lightening strike 11-Aug- 05 Sodergreen Lightening struck tree 11-Sep- 05 Somber Hill 1 acre Fire started by lightening 7-Oct-05 Veadauwoo 3-5 acres Fire started by lightening 2-Apr-06 Lewis Road 50-100 acres One injury 19-Jun- 06 Fox Creek $1,700,000 Isabelle Fire 22-Jun- 06 Hwy 230 Campfire started tree on fire 15-Jul-06 Happy Jack Road 50 acres BLM assistance, fire started by fireworks 17-Jul-06 Sodergreen Lightening struck tree 26-Jul-06 Fox Creek Fire started by lightening 26-Jul-06 Track Road Small Grass fire 27-Jul-06 US 287 1/2 acre 28-Jul-06 Rogers Canyon 1 acre Fire started by lightening 13-May- 07 USFS Road 703C Fire started by lightening 9-Jul-07 USFS Road 523B Fire started by lightening 25-Jul-07 I-80 Small fire started by lightening 20-Aug- 07 Hart Road Small Hay Bale 21-Jun- 08 Jelm Small Grass fire 3-Jul-08 1 FS 701B Single Tree Fire 19-Jul-08 Pelton Creek 1/2 acre Fire started by lightening 23-Jul-08 Hwy 230 Small Hay Bale 27-Jul-08 Dallas Lane $80.00 1250 lb Hay Bale 2-Aug-08 US 287 1/2 acre Fire started by lightening 10-Aug- 08 Centennial Single Tree Fire Table 6.2 Limited history of wildfires The revision process in 2010 found 12 wildland fires that occurred in 2009 that caused no real significant damage. The majority of these were grass fires were started by lightning with the remainder being human error. ---PAGE BREAK--- 71 I P a g e IMPACTS GIS is a tool that is used to compare, capture, input, output, store, manipulate, analyze, model, and display spatial data. Wildfire hazard vulnerability is determined by comparing values such as slope, vegetation, housing density, and aspect. There is currently an Albany County Wildfire Hazard and Risk Assessment and Mitigation Plan in place. This plan is designed to assist in prioritizing and planning mitigation projects as well as to create a communications tool amongst communities in the County. A complete copy of this plan is stored at Albany County EMA office and with the Fire Warden. Albany County also has complied pre-wildfire evacuation plans for our Urban/Interface communities that could be at risk, these are also included in Appendix D. Figure 6.3 Wyoming Wildland Urban Interface Hazard Assessment Red Zone ---PAGE BREAK--- 72 I P a g e WILDLAND FIRE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSSES TABLE 6.3 Census Block Exposure Value 560019627001005 $1,213,602.30 560019627001009 $99,209.90 560019627001011 $96,634.50 560019627001013 $145,494.80 560019627001020 $12,873.00 560019627001047 $530,154.30 560019627001048 $109,999.60 560019627001051 $109,999.90 560019627001052 $288,999.80 560019627001053 $551,000.00 560019627001054 $1,213,999.30 560019627001055 $1,103,999.20 560019627001056 $331,000.10 560019627001057 $110,000.00 560019627001058 $2,426,999.80 560019627001059 $109,999.90 560019627001062 $331,000.00 560019627001065 $441,999.60 560019627001066 $110,000.00 560019627001067 $221,000.00 560019627001069 $221,000.10 560019627001074 $4,735,999.70 560019627001079 $692,462.50 560019627001080 $331,000.00 560019627001081 $330,999.60 560019627001151 $269,909.80 560019627001156 $221,000.00 560019627001157 $4,698,997.50 560019627001158 $550,999.70 560019627001159 $4,194,000.30 560019627001160 $2,759,000.00 560019627001162 $43,560.00 560019627001164 $331,000.10 560019627001166 $442,000.00 560019627001172 $13,489,999.20 560019627001173 $331,000.00 560019627001174 $1,545,000.60 560019627001175 $330,999.90 560019627001176 $5,559,243.20 560019627001177 $60,765.50 560019627001180 $3,862,000.00 560019627001181 $3,752,976.10 560019627001182 $661,999.90 560019627001183 $330,999.90 560019627001184 $550,998.70 560019627001185 $551,000.00 560019627001186 $442,000.00 560019627001187 $661,996.40 560019627001188 $883,000.00 560019627001189 $661,994.10 ---PAGE BREAK--- 73 I P a g e 560019627001191 $442,000.00 560019627001208 $109,999.60 560019627001209 $551,000.00 560019627001210 $551,000.00 560019627001211 $771,999.50 560019627001238 $221,000.00 560019627002004 $10,739.90 560019627002006 $118,582.80 560019627002018 $21,841.10 560019627002020 $5,318.20 560019627002028 $124,000.00 560019627002032 $121,709.30 560019627002033 $2,694,888.10 560019627002034 $1,039.70 560019627002035 $215,409.20 560019627002037 $7,691,497.90 560019627002038 $123,999.80 560019627002039 $136,000.00 560019627002047 $1,092,351.70 560019627002048 $2,337,089.20 560019627002049 $512,999.80 560019627002050 $4,587,000.00 560019627002051 $867,000.30 560019627002052 $867,000.00 560019627002053 $1,137,678.30 560019627002054 $2,849,338.00 560019627002055 $124,000.00 560019627002057 $866,999.00 560019628002035 $665,586.60 560019629001008 $72,047.70 560019629001016 $24,683.60 560019629001019 $225.40 560019629002039 $23,759.10 560019630001008 $7,420.50 560019630002000 $1,576,000.70 560019630002006 $101,999.80 560019630002011 $848,543.30 560019630002021 $957,476.70 560019630002026 $45.80 560019631004000 $291,000.10 560019631004002 $571,872.90 560019631004003 $319,874.00 560019631004004 $1,766,493.50 560019631004008 $1,559,399.20 560019631004010 $106,078.90 560019631004012 $757,072.90 560019631004013 $169,852.00 560019631004014 $101,452.50 560019631004015 $2,032,335.90 560019631004016 $290,997.80 560019631004017 $137,649.50 560019631004021 $260,407.90 560019631005006 $327,605.60 560019631005013 $839,022.60 560019637001000 $1,248,000.00 560019637001002 $210,088.10 ---PAGE BREAK--- 74 I P a g e 560019637001022 $34,003.90 560019637001023 $275,646.60 560019637001025 $86,650.20 560019637001026 $226,863.10 560019637002007 $21,997.50 560019637002008 $81,671.20 560019637002009 $1,015,191.50 560019637003000 $39,533.90 560019637003002 $85,729.20 560019637003008 $18,154.60 560019637003009 $35,744.70 560019637003010 $2,299,369.90 560019637003011 $2,719,999.70 560019637003012 $746,154.30 560019637003013 $1,894,686.10 560019637003015 $1,298,635.20 560019637003016 $2,720,001.30 560019637003020 $101,061.20 560019637003021 $922.10 560019637003025 $34,476.90 560019637003026 $4,377,724.80 560019637004000 $5,046,999.90 560019637004002 $1,514,999.90 560019637004003 $1,008,000.40 560019637004004 $2,187,000.00 560019637004005 $1,514,996.30 560019637004006 $2,186,997.40 560019637004008 $636,161.20 560019637004028 $1,317,676.40 560019637004029 $143,861.30 560019637004032 $126,973.80 560019637004035 $190,354.50 560019637004037 $427,391.40 560019637004038 $434,490.30 560019637004039 $141,954.10 560019637004040 $2,020,000.00 560019637004041 $1,177,998.80 560019637004042 $1,008,000.00 560019637004043 $1,527,414.30 560019637004045 $2,020,000.00 560019637004048 $2,020,000.20 560019637004052 $2,020,000.00 560019637004053 $1,848,998.20 560019639001004 $402,065.40 560019639001005 $2,259,187.90 560019639001007 $100,000.00 560019639001009 $503,000.10 560019639001011 $604,000.00 560019639001012 $2,208,253.70 560019639001014 $100,000.00 560019639001015 $403,000.00 560019639001018 $100,000.00 560019639001019 $704,000.00 560019639001020 $100,000.00 560019639001022 $100,000.00 560019639001023 $301,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- 75 I P a g e 560019639001024 $200,999.90 560019639001026 $503,000.00 560019639001027 $201,000.00 560019639001031 $301,000.00 560019639001032 $99,999.80 560019639001033 $100,000.00 560019639001037 $911,865.30 560019639001046 $100,000.00 560019639001049 $100,000.00 560019639001052 $804,034.90 560019639001056 $817,137.30 560019639001058 $201,000.00 560019639001063 $100,000.00 560019639001071 $262,863.10 560019639001078 $13,420.70 560019639001085 $444,154.90 560019639001326 $72,367.10 560019639001327 $99,999.80 560019639001331 $301,000.00 560019639001333 $100,000.00 560019639001335 $138,532.50 560019639001506 $203,056.80 560019639001509 $198,864.50 560019639001510 $99,999.10 560019639001511 $201,000.10 560019639001514 $199,591.00 560019639001516 $99,123.00 560019639001517 $313,702.90 560019639001518 $844,840.80 560019639001519 $201,000.00 560019639001536 $301,000.00 560019639001539 $201,000.00 560019639001553 $604,000.00 560019639001604 $45,393.00 560019639001605 $8,355.70 560019639001677 $167,737.80 560019639001692 $130,284.00 560019639001693 $2,036,390.80 560019639001694 $201,000.00 560019639001695 $44,992.10 560019639001700 $169,983.40 560019639001704 $100,000.00 560019639001706 $100,000.00 560019639001707 $201,000.00 560019639001708 $118,035.20 560019639001714 $53,424.30 560019639001715 $503,000.00 560019639001717 $100,000.00 560019639001718 $489,023.50 560019639001721 $13,604.80 560019639001726 $315,323.80 560019639001731 $3,139.30 560019639001743 $9,456,999.50 560019639001744 $99,999.50 560019639001746 $1,006,000.00 560019639001747 $503,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- 76 I P a g e 560019639001748 $99,999.40 560019639001752 $99,999.60 560019639001753 $100,000.00 560019639001754 $200,997.60 560019639001755 $100,000.00 560019639001756 $301,000.00 560019639001757 $402,999.80 560019639001758 $503,000.00 560019639001759 $503,000.00 560019639001760 $402,992.30 560019639001761 $201,000.00 560019639001762 $1,107,000.00 560019639001763 $200,999.70 560019639001764 $402,998.50 560019639001765 $1,106,998.80 560019639001767 $300,995.10 560019639001768 $596,861.70 560019639001769 $200,999.70 560019639001770 $904,999.90 560019639001771 $9,456,999.80 560019639001783 $33,120.40 560019639001786 $3,301,861.10 560019639001809 $5,857.30 560019639001881 $100,000.00 560019639001887 $301,000.00 560019639001889 $298,910.00 560019639001896 $714,418.10 560019639001912 $196,364.90 560019639001914 $100,000.00 560019639001917 $381,854.90 560019639001919 $100,000.00 560019639001928 $62,916.80 560019639001939 $244,365.90 560019639001940 $100,000.00 560019639001943 $100,000.00 560019639001946 $69,205.20 560019639001947 $68,330.80 560019639001948 $3,999.60 560019639001960 $201,000.00 560019639002000 $484,656.20 560019639002003 $1,780,000.10 560019639002005 $324,000.00 560019639002011 $324,000.00 560019639002020 $648,000.00 560019639002036 $714,401.00 560019639002038 $564,689.70 560019639002041 $333,112.20 560019639002042 $74,589.60 560019639002043 $40,948.10 560019639002054 $162,000.00 560019639002060 $162,000.00 560019639002063 $193,000.00 560019639002070 $162,000.00 560019639002072 $323,999.90 560019639002073 $162,000.00 560019639002076 $162,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- 77 I P a g e 560019639002078 $324,000.00 560019639002082 $323,999.60 560019639002083 $486,000.20 560019639002084 $161,999.90 560019639002086 $809,000.00 560019639002108 $162,000.00 560019639002111 $162,000.00 560019639002112 $162,000.00 560019639002113 $162,000.00 560019639002115 $162,000.00 560019639002123 $323,999.90 560019639002127 $324,000.00 560019639002128 $485,999.90 560019639002153 $208,806.60 560019639002180 $79,686.50 560019639002191 $213,473.00 560019639002192 $161,999.80 560019639002193 $162,000.00 560019639002194 $144,289.80 560019639002195 $25,154.60 560019639002291 $4,864,121.60 560019639002292 $486,000.00 560019639002294 $486,000.20 560019639002295 $466,286.30 560019639002297 $808,997.70 560019639002298 $1,264,072.20 560019639002299 $809,000.00 560019639002300 $2,751,000.00 560019639002302 $2,265,999.70 560019639002303 $464,489.70 560019639002306 $2,044,000.10 560019639002310 $161,999.90 560019639002313 $162,000.00 560019639002317 $76,281.30 560019639002324 $5,017,000.90 560019639002325 $808,990.70 560019639002326 $1,619,000.00 560019639002327 $161,999.40 560019639002331 $141,533.20 560019639002332 $332,364.30 560019639002339 $348,000.00 560019639002340 $1,230,132.30 560019639002344 $12,309.50 560019639002345 $10,041.00 560019639002346 $5,318.80 560019639002347 $453,406.60 560019639002466 $162,000.00 560019639002470 $323,999.20 560019639002471 $161,999.80 560019639002473 $90,458.80 560019639002503 $4,329.50 560019639002510 $107,736.40 560019639002557 $324,000.00 560019639002574 $485,997.40 560019639002591 $485,999.90 560019639002592 $162,000.00 ---PAGE BREAK--- 78 I P a g e 560019639002617 $162,000.00 560019639002621 $648,000.10 560019639002624 $648,000.00 560019639002638 $162,000.00 560019639002647 $161,999.80 560019639002658 $161,749.90 560019639002661 $486,000.00 560019639002680 $162,000.00 560019639002682 $161,802.40 560019639002685 $162,000.00 560019639002686 $161,988.40 560019639002689 $158,827.70 560019639002692 $346,564.40 560019639002881 $2,423.00 560019639002886 $112,799.10 560019639002889 $46,585.60 560019639002903 $73,665.30 560019639002905 $78,763.70 SUM $257,894,465.70 ---PAGE BREAK--- 79 I P a g e FIGURE 6.4 Building Exposure Values ---PAGE BREAK--- 80 I P a g e FIGURE 6.5 ---PAGE BREAK--- 81 I P a g e FUTURE IMPACTS Wildfires occur within the County on an annual basis. Wildfire smoke is another concern to the public and citizens of Albany County. Emphasis has been placed on homeowner responsibility to create a fire resistant community. There is currently an inadequate and inconsistent system of addresses, streets, road names, and signs in Albany County that can make emergency response situations even more challenging. These are all concerns for if and when we have the next wildland fire. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: High POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILITY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Medium, both jurisdictions are affected as well as all outlying communities in the county. Figure 6.6 Wildland Fire in Albany County ---PAGE BREAK--- 82 I P a g e CHAPTER VII. LIGHTNING Lightning is a sudden electrical discharge released from the atmosphere that follows a course from cloud to ground, cloud to cloud, or cloud to surrounding air, with light illuminating its path. Lightning’s unpredictable nature causes it to be one of the most feared weather elements. Over a 36 year period (1959-1994), Wyoming recorded 21 deaths and 83 injuries resulting from lightning. “The Cowboy State ranks #2 behind only New Mexico in number of deaths per million people per year with an average of 1.47. The state of Wyoming has an average of 5.74 injuries per million people per year ranks #1 for the entire U.S in lightning related injuries. Since 1995, and additional six deaths and 31 injuries have occurred from lightning. All six of these deaths occurred in the mountains of Wyoming – namely the Teton, Wind River, Snowy, and Medicine Bow Ranges. Lightning is the cause of 42% of the wildfires in Wyoming and responsible for 50% of the burned acreage.” Lightning kills the most people out of all the natural disasters that take place yearly. Figure 7.1 this picture was taken in the Centennial Valley. HISTORY U.S. statistics show that one in 345,000 lightning flashes results in a death and one in 114,000 results in an injury. From 1937 to 2006 lightning has been responsible for 36 ---PAGE BREAK--- 83 I P a g e deaths, 104 injuries, over $4.4 million property damage, and $22,750 in crop damage in Wyoming. Lightning can reach a temperature of 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit and one stroke can carry between 100 million and 1 billion volts of electricity. Table 7.1 lists lightning related incidents in Albany County since 1950. This table lacks a complete history of lightning occurrences in Wyoming. Several of the wildland fires that are started by lightning do not get recorded properly for tracking purposes. As a result the following table provides a general idea, not an exact determination. The chart below has been added since the 2003 version of the plan. Lighting happens every year in Albany County, but we have had no serious reports of deaths or injuries since 1999. Table 7.1 History of Lightning in Albany County Wyoming 1950-2006 Date Location Deaths Injuries cost Information 5/24/1950 Rock River 0 1 One Man was injured when struck by lightning near Rock River during a thunderstorm. 5/25/1956 Lookout 14 NE 0 0 A yearling heifer was killed by lightning 6/6/1961 Northwest of Laramie 1 0 $2,750 Lightning struck a herd of sheep, killing the herder and 89 sheep. 7/7/1971 Laramie 10 mile WSW 0 1 Lightning struck near two men injuring one of them. 6/20/1974 Hidden Valley 0 1 $275 In Hidden Valley, Pole Mountain Division, Medicine Bow National Forest, lighting struck a fiberglass sports car injuring the occupant, blowing out the tires and starting a fire. 8/30/1981 Albany County 1 1 Lightning struck and killed one person and injured another. 9/14/1981 Laramie 0 0 Repeated lightning strikes caused damage to Pacific Power equipment causing extensive power outages. 7/8/1982 Jelm Mountain 0 0 $9,000 Lighting destroyed a $7,000 surge arrestor at UW infrared observatory on 9656 foot summit of Jelm Mountain. A second strike on July 15 knocked out $2,000 worth of peripheral equipment. 8/12/1982 NW Wheatland 0 0 $275 Lightning caused a two acre grass fire 30 miles northwest of Wheatland on the Albany County border. 7/28/1987 Laramie $0 0 $2,750 Heavy thunderstorms in the city of Laramie, several lighting strikes were reported in the city with a few trees ---PAGE BREAK--- 84 I P a g e damaged by lightning. 10/5/1988 25 W of Cheyenne 0 0 0 Lightning started an unknown number of trees on fire. 6/26/1996 Laramie 0 0 $4,000 Lighting struck several trees in Laramie. A forty foot cottonwood tree was uprooted and fell into a house. Another tree was struck and started a small fire. 7/7/1996 Laramie 0 0 $2,000 Lightning struck and splintered a large tree in Laramie. A TV and VCR in a nearby house were destroyed. 8/5/1996 25 W of Wheatland 0 0 $300,000 Lighting sparked a fire that consumed 5,000 acres by the time it was contained on August 12th. Several buildings were also destroyed. 7/24/1999 Centennial 2 0 0 Lighting killed two hikers on Medicine Bow Peak Northwest of Centennial about 150 to 200 ft below the summit at an altitude just over 12,000 feet. IMPACTS The eastern plains of Wyoming have more than three times the cloud to ground lightning as does the western half of the state. Lightning damage can depend on the climate for that year, which depends on the drought and wet cycles of Wyoming’s climate. However, the locations of maximum and minimum strikes do not change much from year to year. Albany County has great potential for lighting strikes with both the mountains and the plains being represented. Lightning is responsible for the majority of wildland fires in the county each year. Residents of Albany County are urged to avoid open fields, water, and high ground during a thunderstorm. FUTURE IMPACTS Future impacts from lightning are difficult to determine because of the erratic nature of storms. Historical trends demonstrate that lightning will continue to be the leading cause of wildland fires in the county, and it will maintain dominance in the eastern plains of Wyoming. Lightning is a constant threat to the County. It is estimated that the upcoming years will be active for lightening caused wildland fires in the Snowy Mountain Range, due to the pine beetle kill. ---PAGE BREAK--- 85 I P a g e SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Low POPULATION AFFECTED: Low PROBABILTY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Both the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are affected as well as the other communities within the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 86 I P a g e CHAPTER VIII. HAIL Hail causes more than $1 billion of property damage nationally each year, mostly to crops. The southeast corner of Wyoming lies within the nation’s “Hail Alley.” Together with adjacent portions of Colorado and Nebraska, this region of Wyoming is battered by more hailstorms than any other part of the United States. Climatologically data shows that this area of Wyoming averages five to nine days of hail annually. Figure 8.1 this picture was taken in April 2007 in Laramie, Wyoming HISTORY Table 8.1 presents a history of damaging hail storms in Albany County. The data was derived from the Storm Data reports generated and released by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Climate Center. Other sources are unpublished reports from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, and newspaper records from public libraries. Record may not be complete due to reporting discrepancies throughout county. Hail has the potential to cause substantial damage to structures and vehicles in the county. Table 8.1 shows the most damaging hail storms in the county. There have been hail occurrences since the last listing in 2003, but none that have caused significant damage. ---PAGE BREAK--- 87 I P a g e Table 8.1 Hail storms recorded from 1944-2003 Date County Location Estimated Damage Information 7/3/1944 Albany Laramie A hailstorm on 3rd and 10th did damage to vegetation. 8/1/1953 Albany Laramie $20,000 A hailstorm in Northern Albany County caused $20,000 of damage to wheat crops. 6/15/1962 Albany Laramie $275 Two to three inches of .5 to 1 inch diameter hail did minor damage to range lands S. of Laramie 9/8/1973 Albany Laramie 4.5 inches of hail 8/9/1978 Albany Laramie $27,500 A rapid developing thunderstorm did widespread damage to the University and personal property in Laramie. Approximately 1.10 inches 8/2/1986 Albany 15 ENE Laramie Golf ball sized hail 15 miles East Northeast of Laramie, heavily damaged a sheriff deputy’s vehicle. Approximately 1.75 inches 7/16/1994 Albany 10 miles SE Laramie $275 1.75 Inches of hail 7/3/2001 Albany Laramie $50,000 8/19/2001 Albany 10 miles E Laramie $10,000 Hail cracked windshields East of Laramie. IMPACTS Figure 8.2 shows the distribution of the number of damaging hailstorms, the number of deaths and injuries, and the amount of damage in 2006 dollars. The total documented hail damage for 1926 to present is $304 million. In 2006 USD the damage would be $633.5 million. This is an estimation based off of what was reported in that time frame. Many incidents go without any reporting. ---PAGE BREAK--- 88 I P a g e Figure 8.2 Wyoming Hail Damage Map Table 8.2 represents actual dollar damages reported in the year of the hailstorms as well as dollar damages converted to 2006 USD. The table also shows the ranking of counties based upon dollar damages in 2006 USD. Laramie County has had the most significant hail impacts in Wyoming with $340.3 million (2006 USD) in damage. Southwestern, western, and south-central Wyoming has had the least hail impacts. Albany County had 10 hail storms that caused an estimate $135,825 in damages. Albany County did not have any associating deaths or injuries from the storms. ---PAGE BREAK--- 89 I P a g e Table 8.2—County Rankings by Hail Damage. County Damaging Events Deaths Injuries Hail damage (Year of Event USD) Hail damage (2006 USD) Laramie 130 12 76 176,651,620 340,253,715 Natrona 20 0 10 32,799,925 76,107,891 Campbell 40 0 2 37,588,700 53,858,176 Park 22 0 0 10,810,000 37,836,126 Goshen 46 0 0 13,466,775 30,168,296 Big Horn 20 1 1 6,489,750 15,673,510 Sheridan 28 0 0 3,775,550 11,074,388 Crook 24 0 4 3,217,000 9,148,294 Johnson 23 0 2 3,532,775 7,417,348 Fremont 24 0 2 1,987,775 7,557,780 Niobrara 23 0 0 1,481,800 6,919,999 Washakie 19 0 0 2,100,000 6,664,281 Converse 25 0 1 1,194,125 6,343,305 Hot Springs 7 0 1 2,882,500 6,117,124 Weston 17 0 0 753,275 3,684,231 Platte 44 0 0 1,039,825 3,108,955 Carbon 4 0 0 550,000 2,576,367 Lincoln 7 0 0 275,000 917,583 Sweetwater 9 0 0 60,850 470,385 Teton 3 0 0 83,500 432,762 Albany 10 0 0 135,825 281,839 Sublette 1 0 0 0 0 Uinta 0 0 0 0 0 Regional 8 0 0 3,168,000 6,921,167 TOTAL 554 13 99 304,044,570 633,533,522 FUTURE IMPACTS Hail is always a possibility in Albany County and will continue to pose a threat to private and public property in the upcoming years. It is predicted that hail occurs in Albany County on average of five to nine times a season. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Medium POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILITY: Medium JURISDICTIONS AFFECTED: The Jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are affected as well as the rest of the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 90 I P a g e CHAPTER IX. DROUGHTS Drought characterizes our society’s most costly natural weather-related disaster. It indirectly kills more people and animals than the combined effects of hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, blizzards, and wildfires. Unlike other disasters that quickly come and go, drought’s long-term unrelenting destruction has been responsible for mass migrations and lost civilizations. The 1980 and 1988 droughts in the U.S. resulted in approximately 17,500 heat-related deaths and an economic cost of over $100 billion. Drought occurs in four stages and is defined as a function of its magnitude (dryness), duration, and regional extent. Severity, the most commonly used term for measuring drought, is a combination of magnitude and duration. The first stage of drought is known as a meteorological drought. The conditions at this stage include any precipitation shortfall of 75% of normal for three months or longer. The second stage is known as agricultural drought. Soil moisture is deficient to the point where plants are stressed and biomass (yield) is reduced. The third stage is the hydrological drought. Reduced stream flow (inflow) to reservoirs and lakes is the most obvious sign that a serious drought is in progress. The fourth stage is the socioeconomic drought. This final stage refers to the situation that occurs when physical water shortage begins to affect people. As these stages evolve over time, the impact to the economy, society, and environment converge into an emergency situation. Without reservoir water to irrigate farms, food supplies are in jeopardy. Without spring rains for the prairie grasslands, open range grazing is compromised. Without groundwater for municipalities, the hardships to communities result in increases in mental and physical stress as well as conflicts over the use of whatever limited water is available. Without water, wetlands disappear. The quality of any remaining water decreases due to its higher salinity concentration. There is also an increased risk of fires, and air quality degrades as a result of increased soil erosion in strong winds (blowing dust). HISTORY In September 2001 Albany County declared an Agri-Business Disaster Declaration. Another request for assistance was also made in 2002 and 2006 as the drought problems continued across Southeast Wyoming. The most recent statewide drought started in 1999, but began in earnest in the spring of 2000. It is considered by many to be the most severe drought in collective memory. However, some longtime residents have indicated they remember streams drying up in the 1930s and 1950s. According to instrument records, there have been only seven multi- year (three years or longer) statewide droughts since 1895 (Table 9.1), although single wet years like 1957 (and probably 2005) have broken longer periods of drought (1952- 1964 and 1999-present) into two separate events by this definition, making quantification ---PAGE BREAK--- 91 I P a g e of impacts difficult. Based on statewide average annual precipitation each of the drought periods is ranked as follows: Table 9.1 – Wyoming’s Recent Worst Multi-year, Statewide Droughts. Drought Period Average Annual Precipitation (Inches) Percent of 1895-2006 Average Annual Precipitation (13.04”) 1952-1956 10.65 81.69% 1900-1903 10.76 82.52% 1999-2004 11.07 84.89% 1987-1990 11.12 85.28% 1958-1964 11.67 89.49% 1974-1977 11.77 90.26% 1931-1936 11.79 90.41% Widespread droughts in Wyoming, as determined from stream flow records, were most notable during three periods: 1929 to 1942, 1948 to 1962, and 1976 to 1982. INSTRUMENTATION RECORD As a whole, Wyoming’s precipitation record from 1895 to 2006 reveals that, for the first half of the 20th Century (except for the Dust Bowl years of the 1930s), there was generally a surplus of moisture. During the second half of the century there was a trend of increased periods of drought (Figure 9.1) Wyoming Annual Precipitations ---PAGE BREAK--- 92 I P a g e Figure 9.1 Wyoming Annual Precipitation IMPACTS Based on Table 9.1 and Figure 9.1, the drought of 1999 to 2004 is as significant, if not more significant, than any other drought in the last 100 years. Table 9.2, from the Wyoming State Climate Office, indicates that the most significant droughts in the last century, in terms of annual statewide precipitation averages, were in 1952 to 1956, 1900 to 1903, and 1999 to 2004. In order to determine which drought period had the most significant impact on Wyoming, crop production and livestock inventory data for the 1952 to 1956 and 1999 to 2004 periods were compared. 1957 and 2005 were wetter years, with annual statewide precipitation totals above the 1895-2006 average. Those two years were used as endpoints for the droughts that started in 1952 and 1999 respectively. In both cases, the years following saw a return to drier conditions. Because of this the most recent drought impacts were also calculated for 2005 and 2006, and are included in summary tables. Tables 9.2 and 9.3 show peak decline in production during drought compared to the 5-year pre-drought production average for various commodities. ---PAGE BREAK--- 93 I P a g e Table 9.2—Peak Commodity Production Changes From Pre-drought (1947 to 1951) To Drought (1952 to 1956). Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1947 to 1951) Units Lowest production during drought (1952 to 1956) Year of lowest production (1952 to 1956) Percent change Winter wheat 5,072 1,000 bu. 2,346 1954 -54% Spring wheat 1,579 1,000 bu. 600 1954 -62% Barley 4,414 1,000 bu. 2,700 1956 -39% Oats 4,577 1,000 bu. 2,470 1954 -46% Dry beans 1,009 1,000 cwt. 589 1955 -42% Sugar beets 413 1,000 tons 421 1955 Corn 227 1,000 bu. 161 1953 -29% Alfalfa hay 490 1,000 tons 675 1954 +38% Other hay 674 1,000 tons 442 1954 -34% Cattle/ calves inventory 1,050 1,000 head 1,096 1954 Table 9.3—Peak Commodity Production Changes From Pre-drought (1994 to 1998) To Drought (1999 to 2006). Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994-1998) Units Lowest production during drought (1999-2006) Year of lowest production Percent change Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 2375 2002 -61% Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 96 2002 -85% Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 4680 2002 -44% Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 600 2005 -54% Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 514 2001 -26% Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 659 2002 -43% Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 4165 2002 -34% Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1150 2002 -27% Other hay 817 1,000 tons 450 2002 -45% Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1320 2002 -14% A comparison of Tables 9.2 and 9.3 indicate that drought impacts to the Wyoming agricultural community were greater in the 1999 – present drought than in the 1952 to 1956 drought. With the exception of dry beans, all commodities in the “worst” years of the most recent drought showed the most significant percentage decline in production than in the 1952 to 1956 drought. As a result, the 1999- present drought will be used as the drought of historic record to calculate dollar impacts. DOLLAR IMPACTS Dollar impacts of drought are derived from Wyoming Agricultural Statistics 2007, compiled by the Wyoming Agricultural Statistics Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Supplemental data through 2006 were provided by the Cheyenne, Wyoming office of the agency. The data below represent changes in production value for crops and changes in inventory value for cattle and calves (Tables 9.4 through 9.11). As such, the data should be ---PAGE BREAK--- 94 I P a g e considered impact-value-versus-loss-value. For example, regarding cattle and calves inventory, the inventory has subsequently decreased during the drought. Therefore, the value of inventory on hand has decreased. The inventory decreased, because of the sale of the cattle and calves. The sales resulted in an increase in cash receipts to the farming and ranching community. The net result shows a decrease in inventory value, which is a negative drought impact. All dollar values shown (USD) are represented in 2006 dollars. Table 9.4—Production And Inventory Value Impact for 1999. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 1999 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 6105 2.12/bu +195,061 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 264 2.54/bu -1,180,823 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 7310 3.03/bu -3,936,065 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 1539 1.45/bu -191,344 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 788 16.00/cwt +1,878,935 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 1205 39.00/ton +2,596,852 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 6136 1.94/bu -450,944 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1782 67.00/ton +16,303,874 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 1008 60.00/ton +13,874,092 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1580 770.00/head +41,016,949 TOTAL +$70,106,586 Table 9.5—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2000. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2000 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 4080 2.70/bu -6,161,944 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 232 2.70/bu -1,315,222 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 7885 3.08/bu -1,796,066 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 1156 1.55/bu -892,974 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 762 16.80/cwt +1,396,721 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 1556 32.50/ton +15,450,820 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 7656 2.02/bu +3,141,171 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1449 85.00/ton -13,138,173 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 650 80.00/ton -15,644,028 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1550 780.00/head +12,786,885 TOTAL -$6,172,810 ---PAGE BREAK--- 95 I P a g e Table 9.6—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2001. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2001 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 2880 2.70/bu -9,683,713 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 168 2.90/bu -1,585,421 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 6970 3.32/bu -5,343,007 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 1344 1.65/bu -571,298 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 514 23.00/cwt -4,636,674 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 794 39.70/ton -16,097,039 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 6375 2.30/bu +123,121 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1276 110.00/ton -38,211,845 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 605 105.00/ton -25,353,075 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1470 780.00/head -58,633,257 TOTAL -$159,992,210 Table 9.7—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2002. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2002 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 2375 3.70/bu -15,156,726 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 96 3.90/bu -2,413,453 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 4680 3.23/bu -13,408,845 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 750 2.20/bu -2,214,798 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 624 18.30/cwt -1,374,552 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 659 42.30/ton -23,283,969 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 4165 2.60/bu -6,304,709 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1150 111.00/ton -53,633,408 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 450 106.00/ton -43,612,108 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1320 760.00/head -184,035,874 TOTAL -$345,438,442 Table 9.8—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2003. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2003 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 3915 3.40/bu -7,872,508 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 180 3.15/bu -1,614,677 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 6975 3.46/bu -5,335,904 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 1104 1.80/bu -1,072,508 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 645 17.40/cwt -876,670 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 752 41.20/ton -17,960,131 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 6450 2.50/bu +334,064 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1625 80.00/ton 3,855,422 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 770 73.00/ton -3,757,941 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1400 890.00/head -132,573,932 TOTAL -$166,874,786 ---PAGE BREAK--- 96 I P a g e Table 9.9—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2004. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2004 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 3510 3.20/bu -8,602,775 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 240 3.25/bu -1,415,155 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 7050 3.41/bu -4,851,153 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 795 1.55/bu -1,411,046 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 541 25.90/cwt -4,146,211 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 812 41.70/ton -15,042,263 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 6550 2.48/bu +587,577 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1305 74.50/ton -1,722,000 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 756 69.50/ton -3,555,000 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1350 1,020.00/head -121,040,000 TOTAL -$161,198,025 Table 9.10—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2005. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2005 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 4350 3.50/bu -6,064,499 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 315 3.19/bu -1,096,254 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 5580 3.28/bu -9,487,967 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 600 1.60/bu -1,730,444 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 776 18.70/cwt 1,640,351 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 801 42.80/ton -15,415,067 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 6860 2.45/bu +1,345,098 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1560 75.00/ton -1,625,387 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 756 71.50/ton -4,501,032 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1430 1,140.00/head -124,705,882 TOTAL -$161,641,084 Table 9.11—Production and Inventory Value Impact for 2006. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units 2006 production Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 3645 4.80/bu -11,443,200 Spring wheat 648 1,000 bu. 234 3.80/bu -1,573,200 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 4731 3.35/bu -12,234,200 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 684 1.70/bu -1,638,800 Dry beans 691 1,000 cwt. 590 21.10/cwt -2,131,100 Sugar beets 1150 1,000 tons 798 X/ton Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 5805 3.00/bu -1,569,000 Alfalfa hay 1581 1,000 tons 1400 91.00/ton -16,471,000 Other hay 817 1,000 tons 715 88.00/ton -8,976,000 Cattle/calves inventory 1536 1,000 head 1430 1,010.00/head -107,060,000 TOTAL -$163,096,500 ---PAGE BREAK--- 97 I P a g e Table 9.12—Production and Inventory Value Impact for Worst Year of Drought. Commodity 5-year pre- drought production average (1994 to 1998) Units Worst yearly production of drought Year Value (USD) Production and inventory value impact (USD) Winter Wheat 6029 1,000 bu. 2375 2002 3.70/bu -15,156,726 Spring Wheat 648 1,000 bu. 96 2002 3.90/bu -2,413,453 Barley 8383 1,000 bu. 4680 2002 3.23/bu -13,408,845 Oats 1648 1,000 bu. 600 2005 1.60/bu -1,730,444 Dry Bean 691 1,000 cwt. 514 2001 23.00/cwt -4,636,674 Sugar Beet 1150 1,000 tons 659 2002 42.30/ton -23,283,969 Corn 6328 1,000 bu. 4165 2002 2.60/bu -6,304,709 Alfalfa Hay 1581 1,000 tons 1150 2002 111.00/ton -53,633,408 Other Hay 817 1,000 tons 450 2002 106.00/ton -43,612,108 Cattle/Calves Inventory 1536 1,000 head 1320 2002 760.00/head -184,035,874 TOTAL -$348,216,210 Table 9.12 shows the year of most significant impact for each of the commodities, and also the summation of production and inventory value impacts for the worst-case years. FUTURE IMPACTS The current drought, starting in 1999, can be shown to be the drought of historic record. There have been significant impacts on the agricultural industry from this drought. The worst-case year was 2002, with a negative dollar impact of $345.4 million. The total impact for the period 1999 to 2004 was -$769.6 million. While 2005 showed statewide average precipitation to be 0.73” above the long-term average, the following year, 2006 was the 10th driest in the period 1895-2006, indicating that, similar to the year 1957, 2005 is likely just a single, rare wet year among a longer term period of drought and thus statistically insignificant. Tables 9.11 and 9.12 illustrate how production in 2005 and 2006 continued to be impacted. The total impact from 1999 to 2006, has been - $1,094.3 million. For the purpose of this report, the dollar impacts for the current drought are -$769.6 million. Future analysis most likely will include 2005-2007 in the drought beginning in 1999. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: High POPULATION AFFECTED: High PROBABILTY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Both the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are affected as well as the other communities in the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 98 I P a g e CHAPTER X. EARTHQUAKES Seismological characterizations of an area can range from an analysis of historic seismicity to a long-term probabilistic seismic hazard assessment. A complete characterization usually includes a summary of historic seismicity, an analysis of the Seismic Zone Map of the Uniform Building Code, deterministic analyses on active faults, “floating earthquake” analyses, and short- or long-term probabilistic seismic hazard analyses. Historically, earthquakes have occurred in every county in Wyoming (Figure 10.1). The first earthquake was reported in Yellowstone National Park in 1871 and the most recent likely occurred in the park. Yellowstone National Park is one of the more seismically active areas in the U.S. Figure 10.1 Earthquake areas in Wyoming ---PAGE BREAK--- 99 I P a g e EARTHQUAKE SOURCES Most Wyoming earthquakes, aside from Yellowstone National Park, occur as a result of movement on faults. If the fault has moved within the Quaternary, or last 1.6 million years, the fault is considered to be active. Active faults can be exposed at the surface (Figure 10.2) or deeply buried with no significant surface expression. Historically, earthquakes have not been associated with exposed active faults. The exposed active faults, however, have the potential to generate the largest earthquakes. As a result it is necessary to understand both exposed and buried active faults in order to generate a realistic seismological characterization of the state. Figure 10.2 Earthquake sources in Wyoming ---PAGE BREAK--- 100 I P a g e HISTORY The enclosed map of “Earthquake Epicenters and Suspected Active Faults with Surficial Expression in Wyoming” (Case etl., 1997) shows the historic distribution of earthquakes in Wyoming. Over thirty magnitude 3.0 and greater earthquakes and hundreds of smaller earthquakes have been recorded in Albany County. Those earthquakes and one from Colorado are discussed below. Two of the first earthquakes to be felt and recorded in southeast and south central Wyoming, occurred between Laramie, Wyoming and Estes Park, Colorado on November 7-8, 1882. The first and largest earthquake, which occurred on November 7, 1882, was estimated to have a magnitude of 6.2 and a maximum intensity of VII. It was felt over most of Colorado, the southern half of Wyoming, and northeastern Utah (Kirkham & Rogers, 1985). The second earthquake, which occurred on November 8, 1882, was felt from Denver to Laramie. In Laramie, the first event caused considerable concern, and some people ran into the streets. Clocks were stopped, plaster was cracked, and some glass in windows was broken (Case, 1993). Kirkham and Rogers (1985) documented that the earthquake was felt as an intensity VI event in Laramie. The earliest recorded earthquake that actually originated in Albany County occurred in the Laramie area on January 13, 1898. The intensity IV event shook buildings and rattled dishes, windows, and loose objects in Laramie. Before the shock waves were felt, many Laramie residents reported that they “heard a noise similar to that which a heavy wagon would make moving at a good speed a block or two away” (The Daily Boomerang, January 14, 1898). As the earthquake occurred at 11:45 pm, a number of people were awakened by the shaking of their beds. Three earthquakes occurred in Albany County in the 1930s. The first two occurred in the Laramie area, and the last occurred in northern Albany County. On September 20, 1931, an earthquake with a maximum intensity of IV was felt in Laramie and at the Summit Tavern, located east-southeast of Laramie in the Laramie Mountains. There were reports from Laramie that windows and dishes rattled, and some residents ran from their homes (The Laramie Republican-Boomerang, September 21, 1931). This event was followed by another intensity IV earthquake on November 10, 1935. This earthquake, thought to have an epicenter in Laramie, was felt in Laramie, Rawlins, and Rock River. In Laramie, buildings shuddered dishes rattled, and a low rumbling sound was heard. The earthquake lasted less than ten seconds (The Laramie Republican-Boomerang, November 11, 1935). On August 27, 1938, an intensity III earthquake was recorded in northern Albany County. No damage was associated with the event (Neumann, 1940). No earthquakes were recorded in Albany County in the 1940’s, although many occurred in the 1950’s. On January 20, 1954, an intensity V earthquake occurred approximately 12 miles north-northeast of Laramie. In Wyoming, the earthquake was felt in Laramie, Fox Park, Albany, Centennial, Jelm, Tie Siding, and Ryan Park. In Colorado, it was felt ---PAGE BREAK--- 101 I P a g e near Cowdrey. In fact, Murphy and Cloud (1956) estimated that the earthquake was felt over 2,000 square miles. In Laramie, a roaring noise was heard, buildings shook, and dishes fell from tables. One Laramie resident thought that the earthquake was an explosion, and alerted the local fire department. The local newspaper reported that stories “were getting more colorful by the hour” (The Laramie Republican and Boomerang, January 21, 1954). At Fox Park, a slow motion was observed by all residents. Doors and dishes were rattled, and a post supporting the roof of one house was shifted. In Albany, a rapid motion was felt, with furnishings shifting and windows rattling. The earthquake was reported to have been felt for two minutes in Albany. In Centennial, the earthquake was described as being similar to a heavy dynamite blast (Murphy and Cloud, 1956). In Jelm, a rapid motion that lasted for ten seconds was felt by all residents. An east-to-west motion was described in Jelm. In Tie Siding and Ryan Park, a slow motion was felt for a short period of time. In Cowdrey, Colorado, a rapid motion was felt for fifteen seconds, and hanging objects swung. A few aftershocks were reported in Fox Park and Jelm. The rest of the 1950’s-era earthquakes in Albany County occurred in the Fox Park, Jelm, and Woods Landing area. The first earthquake recorded in that area, an intensity IV event, occurred on January 22, 1954. The earthquake resulted in a very strong but brief shock felt in Jelm (Murphy & Cloud, 1956). On May 22, 1955, an intensity V earthquake near Jelm and Woods Landing caused considerable concern. Many area residents reported hearing a loud rumbling noise, which was then followed by shaking. Dishes, windows, and cupboards rattled in many cabins in the Woods Landing area. Reflecting the fears of the time, one Jelm resident thought that an atomic bomb had dropped on Denver. A group of fishermen camping near Woods Landing reported that they were rolled around in their tent. The earthquake was not felt in Laramie (The Laramie Republican and Boomerang, May 23, 1955; Murphy & Cloud, 1957). On August 6, 1958, an intensity IV earthquake near Fox Park was felt in Fox Park, Laramie, and Centennial. Windows rattled and dishes shook in Fox Park, and one Laramie resident thought there was an explosion in his basement (The Laramie Daily Boomerang, August 7, 1958). This earthquake was followed on August 15, 1958, by an intensity III event in the same general area. Residents in the Centennial area reported that buildings shook (The Laramie Daily Boomerang, August 15, 1958). In Fox Park, a light tremor was felt (Brazee and Cloud, 1960). The last earthquake recorded in the area occurred near Fox Park and Jelm on December 25, 1959. The magnitude 4.3, intensity V event was felt in Fox Park, Jelm, and Laramie. In Fox Park, slight cracks formed in a concrete block building under construction. Many residents of Fox Park felt the earthquake and described it as a pretty strong jolt. At Jelm, the earthquake was felt by all residents, with many reports of creaking walls (Eppley and Cloud, 1961). Many of the earthquakes in the area have originated in the Laramie Range in northern Albany County and southern Converse County. The first earthquake recorded in the area occurred on August 27, 1938, as discussed previously. The intensity III earthquake, which was located near Marshall, did not cause any damage (Neumann, 1940). On ---PAGE BREAK--- 102 I P a g e August 21, 1952, an intensity IV earthquake occurred approximately 7 miles north- northeast of Esterbrook, in Converse County. It was felt by several people in the area, and was reportedly felt 40 miles to the southwest of Esterbrook (Murphy & Cloud, 1954). Three additional earthquakes have occurred in the same location as the August 21, 1952 event. The first, a small magnitude event with no associated magnitude or intensity, occurred on September 2, 1952. The second, an intensity III event, occurred on January 5, 1957. The most recent, an intensity IV event occurred on March 31, 1964. No damage was reported for any of the events. On January 15, 1978, a magnitude 3.0, intensity III earthquake occurred approximately 3 miles northeast of Esterbrook, in Converse County. No damage was reported. In the 1980’s, there were a series of relatively significant earthquakes in northern Albany County that were felt over a wide area. On February 13, 1983, a magnitude 4.0, intensity IV event occurred approximately 6 miles southwest of Toltec. That non-damaging earthquake was felt in Laramie, Casper, Wheatland, and Medicine Bow (Laramie Daily Boomerang, February 15, 1983). The most significant earthquake to occur in the area, a magnitude 5.5, intensity VI event, occurred on October 18, 1984. That earthquake, with an epicenter located approximately 4 miles west-northwest of Toltec, was felt in Wyoming, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Utah, Montana, and Kansas. A 1985 report documents that cracks were found in the exterior brick walls of the Douglas City Hall and as well as a public school in Medicine Bow. Chimneys were cracked in Casper, Douglas, Guernsey, Lusk, and Rock River. A wall in a Laramie-area school was cracked by the earthquake. The earthquake was one of the largest felt in eastern Wyoming. There were a number of aftershocks to the main event, with the most significant being a magnitude 4.5, intensity IV event, and a magnitude 3.8 event occurring on October 18, 1984; a magnitude 3.5 event on October 20, 1984; magnitude 3.3 events on October 19, November 6, and December 17, 1984; a magnitude 3.1 event on October 22, 1984; a magnitude 3.2 event on October 24, 1984; and a magnitude 2.9 event on December 5, 1984. On June 12, 1986, a magnitude 3.0 earthquake occurred in the same general area. In 1993, there were a series of non-damaging earthquakes recorded in Northern Albany and southern Converse Counties. On July 23, 1993, a magnitude 3.7, intensity IV earthquake occurred in southern Converse County, approximately 13 miles north- northwest of Toltec in northern Albany County. This event was felt as far away as Laramie. On October 9, 1993, a magnitude 3.7, intensity IV earthquake occurred approximately 9 miles north of Marshall. The earthquake was felt in Garrett. On December 13, 1993, another earthquake occurred approximately 8 miles east of Toltec. This non-damaging event had a magnitude of 3.5. Only one magnitude 3.0 and greater earthquake has occurred in Albany County in the 2000’s. On April 13, 2000, a magnitude 3.3 earthquake occurred in northern Albany ---PAGE BREAK--- 103 I P a g e County, approximately 2 miles southwest of Warbonnet Peak. No damage was reported. No earthquakes have been reported since the last time this plan was updated in 2003. Table 10.1 History of Earthquakes in Albany County DATE EVENT LOCATION EFFECTS/DAMAGES November 7, 1882 Earthquake South WY and Northern Colorado 6.2 Broken Windows and furnishings/structures shifted November 8, 1882 Earthquake South WY and Northern Colorado 5.0 broken windows January 13, 1898 Earthquake Laramie 4.0 Minor Damage September 20, 1931 Earthquake Laramie 4.0 windows and dishes rattled November 10, 1935 Earthquake Northern Albany County Minor rattling August 27, 1938 Earthquake Laramie, Rock River, and Rawlins 3.0 no damages August 21, 1952 Earthquake Northern Colorado, Southeast WY 4.0 minor damages September 2, 1952 Earthquake Northern Colorado and Southeast WY 3.0 no damages January 20, 1954 Earthquake Laramie, Fox Park, Jelm, Tie Siding, Ryan park and Colorado 5.0 furnishing shifted, broken dishes January 22, 1954 Earthquake Fox Park, Jelm, Woods Landing 4.0 minor damages May 22, 1955 Earthquake Jelm and Woods Landing 5.0 Shakings with minor damages January 5, 1957 Earthquake Northern Colorado and Southeast WY 3.0 with no damages August 6, 1958 Earthquake Fox Park, Centennial, and Laramie, 4.0 windows rattled and dishes shook August 15, 1958 Earthquake Centennial and Fox Park 3.0 Minor damages December 25, 1959 Earthquake Fox Park, Jelm, and Laramie 4.3 minor cracks March 31, 1964 Earthquake Laramie, Casper, Wheatland, and Medicine Bow 4.0 minor damages January 15, 1978 Earthquake Laramie, Casper, Wheatland, and Medicine Bow 3.0 no damages February 13, 1983 Earthquake Northern Albany County 4.0 no damages October 18, 1984 Earthquake WY, CO, NE, UT, MT, KS, and SD 5.5 cracks in foundations June 12, 1986 Earthquake Laramie Area 3.0 no damages July 23, 1993 Earthquake Northern Albany County 3.7 no damages October 9, 1993 Earthquake Garrett, WY 3.7 minor damages December 13, 1993 Earthquake Northern Albany County 3.5 no damages April 13, 2000 Earthquake Northern Albany 3.3 no damages ---PAGE BREAK--- 104 I P a g e UNIFORM BUIDLING CODE (UBC) The Uniform Building Code is a document prepared by the International Conference of Building Officials. Its stated intent is to “provide minimum standards to safeguard life or limb, health, property, and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, quality of materials, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures within this jurisdiction and certain equipment specifically regulated herein.” The UBC contains information and guidance on designing buildings and structures to withstand seismic events. With safety in mind, the UBC provides Seismic Zone Maps to help identify which design factors are critical to specific areas of the country. In addition, depending upon the type of building, there is also an “importance factor”. The “importance factor” can, in effect, raise the standards that are applied to a building. The current UBC Seismic Zone Map (Figure 10.3) (1997) has five seismic zones, ranging from Zone 0 to Zone 4, as can be seen on Figure 10.3. The seismic zones are in part defined by the probability of having a certain level of ground shaking (horizontal acceleration) in 50 years. The criteria used for defining boundaries on the Seismic Zone Map were established by the Seismology Committee of the Structural Engineers Association of California (Building Standards, September-October, 1986). The criteria they developed are as follows: The committee assumed that there was a 90% probability that the above values would not be exceeded in 50 years, or a 100% probability that the values would be exceeded in 475 to 500 years. Albany County is in Seismic Zone 1 of the UBC. Since effective peak accelerations (90% chance of non-exceedance in 50 years) can range from 5%-10%g in Zone 1, and there have been significant historic seismicity in the county, it may be reasonable to assume that an average peak acceleration of 10.0%g could be applied to the design of a non- critical facility located in the County if only the UBC were used. Such acceleration, however, is significantly less than would be suggested through newer building codes. Recently, the UBC has been replaced by the International Building Code (IBC). The IBC is based upon probabilistic analyses, which are described in a following section. Albany County still uses the UBC, as do most Wyoming Counties as of September 2008. DETERMINISTIC ANALYSIS OF REGIONAL ACTIVE FAULTS WITH A SUPERFICIAL EXPRESSION There are no known exposed active faults with a surficial expression in Albany County. As a result, no fault-specific analysis can be generated for Albany County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 105 I P a g e FLOATING OR RANDOM EARTHQUAKE SOURCES Many federal regulations require an analysis of the earthquake potential in areas where active faults are not exposed, and where earthquakes are tied to buried faults with no surface expression. Regions with a uniform potential for the occurrence of such earthquakes are called tectonic provinces. Within a tectonic province, earthquakes associated with buried faults are assumed to occur randomly, and as a result can theoretically occur anywhere within that area of uniform earthquake potential. In reality, that random distribution may not be the case, as all earthquakes are associated with specific faults. If all buried faults have not been identified, the distribution has to be considered random. “Floating earthquakes” are earthquakes that are considered to occur randomly in a tectonic province. It is difficult to accurately define tectonic provinces when there is a limited historic earthquake record. When there are no nearby seismic stations that can detect small- magnitude earthquakes, which occur more frequently than larger events, the problem is compounded. Under these conditions, it is common to delineate larger, rather than smaller, tectonic provinces. The USGS identified tectonic provinces in a report titled “Probabilistic Estimates of Maximum Acceleration and Velocity in Rock in the Contiguous United States” (Algermissen and others, 1982). In that report, Albany County was roughly classified as being in the “Faulted Laramie-Age Mountain Uplift” tectonic province. That province was assigned a “floating earthquake” with a maximum magnitude of 6.1. Geomatrix (1988b) suggested using a more extensive regional tectonic province, called the “Wyoming Foreland Structural Province”, which is approximately defined by the Idaho- Wyoming Thrust Belt on the west, 104° West longitude on the east, 40° North latitude on the south, and 45° North latitude on the north. Geomatrix (1988b) estimated that the largest “floating” earthquake in the “Wyoming Foreland Structural Province” would have a magnitude in the 6.0 – 6.5 range, with an average value of magnitude 6.25. Federal or state regulations usually specify if a “floating earthquake” or tectonic province analysis is required for a facility. Usually, those regulations also specify at what distance a floating earthquake is to be placed from a facility. For example, for uranium mill tailing sites, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission requires that a floating earthquake be placed 15 kilometers from the site. That earthquake is then used to determine what horizontal accelerations may occur at the site. A magnitude 6.25 “floating” earthquake, placed 15 kilometers from any structure in Albany County, would generate horizontal accelerations of approximately 15%g at the site. That acceleration would be adequate for designing a uranium mill tailings site, but may be too large for less critical sites, such as landfill areas. Critical facilities, such as dams, usually require a more detailed probabilistic analysis of random earthquakes. Based upon probabilistic analyses of random earthquakes in an area distant from exposed active faults (Geomatrix, 1988b), placing a ---PAGE BREAK--- 106 I P a g e magnitude 6.25 earthquake at 15 kilometers from a site will provide a fairly conservative estimate of design ground accelerations. PROBALISTIC SEISMIC HAZARD ANALYSIS The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) publishes probabilistic acceleration maps for 500-, 1000-, and 2,500-year time frames. The maps show what accelerations may be met or exceeded in those time frames by expressing the probability that the accelerations will be met or exceeded in a shorter time frame. For example, a 10% probability that acceleration may be met or exceeded in 50 years is roughly equivalent to a 100% probability of exceedance in 500 years. The USGS has recently generated new probabilistic acceleration maps for Wyoming (Case, 2000). Copies of the 500-year (10% probability of exceedance in 50 years), 1000- year probability of exceedance in 50 years), and 2,500-year probability of exceedance in 50 years) maps are attached. Until recently, the 500-year map was often used for planning purposes for average structures, and was the basis of the most current UBC. The new IBC, however, uses a 2,500-year map as the basis for building design. The attached maps reflect current perceptions on seismicity in Wyoming. In many areas of Wyoming, ground accelerations shown on the USGS maps can be increased due to local soil conditions. For example, if fairly soft, saturated sediments are present at the surface, and seismic waves are passed through them, surface ground accelerations will usually be greater than would be experienced if only bedrock were present. In this case, the ground accelerations shown on the USGS maps would underestimate the local hazard, as they are based upon accelerations that would be expected if firm soil or rock were present at the surface. Based upon the 500-year map (10% probability of exceedance in 50 years) (Figure 10.3), the estimated peak horizontal acceleration in Albany County ranges from 3%g in the southeastern corner of the County to approximately 7%g in the northwestern corner of the County. Those accelerations are roughly comparable to intensity IV earthquakes (1.4%g – 3.9%g) to intensity V earthquakes (3.9%g – 9.2%g). These accelerations are comparable to the low end of accelerations to be expected in Seismic Zone 1 of the UBC. Intensity IV earthquakes cause little damage. Intensity V earthquakes may result in cracked plaster and broken dishes. Laramie would be subject to an acceleration of approximately 5%g or intensity V. Based upon the 1000-year map probability of exceedance in 50 years) (Figure 10.5), the estimated peak horizontal acceleration in Albany County ranges from 6%g in the southeastern corner of the County to nearly 13%g in the northwestern corner of the County. Those accelerations are roughly comparable to intensity V earthquakes (3.9%g – 9.2%g) to intensity VI earthquakes (9.2%g -18.0%g). Intensity V earthquakes can result in cracked plaster and broken dishes. Intensity VI earthquakes can result in fallen plaster ---PAGE BREAK--- 107 I P a g e and damaged chimneys. Laramie would be subjected to an acceleration of approximately 7%g or intensity V. Based upon the 2500-year map probability of exceedance in 50 years) (Figure 10.6), the estimated peak horizontal acceleration in Albany County ranges from 11%g in the southeastern corner of the County to over 21%g in the entire north central part of the County. Those accelerations are roughly comparable to intensity VI earthquakes (9.2%g – 18.0%g) to intensity VII earthquakes (18%g-34%g). Intensity VI earthquakes can result in fallen plaster and damaged chimneys. Intensity VII earthquakes can result in slight to moderate damage in well-built ordinary structures and considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed structures. Chimneys may be broken. Laramie would be subjected to an acceleration of approximately 12%g or intensity VI. As the historic record is limited, it is nearly impossible to determine when a 2,500-year event last occurred in the County. Because of the uncertainty involved, and based upon the fact that the new IBC utilizes 2,500-year events for building design, it is suggested that the 2,500-year probabilistic maps be used for Albany County analyses. This conservative approach is in the interest of public safety. ---PAGE BREAK--- 108 I P a g e FIGURE 10.3 500-year probabilistic acceleration map (10% probability of exceedance in 50 years). ---PAGE BREAK--- 109 I P a g e FIGURE 10.4. 1000-year probabilistic acceleration map probability of exceedance in 50 years). ---PAGE BREAK--- 110 I P a g e FIGURE 10.5 2500-year probabilistic acceleration map probability of exceedance in 50 years). ---PAGE BREAK--- 111 I P a g e IMPACTS There have been over thirty historic earthquakes with magnitudes greater than magnitude 3.0 recorded in or near Albany County, with the largest being a magnitude 6.2-6.5 event in 1882 between Laramie and Estes Park, Colorado. Because of the limited historic record, it is possible to underestimate the seismic hazard in Albany County if historic earthquakes are used as the sole basis for analysis. Earthquake and ground motion probability maps give a more reasonable estimate of damage potential in areas without exposed active faults at the surface, such as Albany County. Current earthquake probability maps that are used in the newest building codes suggest a scenario that would result in moderate damage to buildings and their contents, with damage increasing from the southeast to the north-northwest. More specifically, the probability-based worst-case scenario could result in the following damage at points throughout the County: Intensity VII Earthquake Area Toltec area Esterbrook area Marshall Rock River For intensity VII earthquakes, damage is “negligible” in buildings of good design and construction, “slight-to-moderate” in well-built ordinary structures, and “considerable” in poorly built or badly designed structures such as un-reinforced masonry buildings. Some chimneys will be broken. Intensity VI Earthquake Areas Laramie area Jelm Fox Park Centennial Albany Woods Landing Bosler Buford Tie Siding In intensity VI earthquakes, some heavy furniture can be moved. There may be some instances of fallen plaster and damaged chimneys. ---PAGE BREAK--- 112 I P a g e Disclaimer: The estimates of social and economic impacts contained in this report were produced using HAZUS loss estimation methodology software which is based on current scientific and engineering knowledge. There are uncertainties inherent in any loss estimation technique. Therefore, there may be significant differences between the modeled results contained in this report and the actual social and economic losses following a specific earthquake. These results can be improved by using enhanced inventory, geotechnical, and observed ground motion data. HAZUS 99-SR2: Earthquake Event Report Region Name: Earthquake Scenario: Albany County 2500 Year Probabilistic Mag 6.5 Event Tuesday, March 25, 2003 Print Date: ---PAGE BREAK--- 113 I P a g e GENERAL DESCRIPTION the Region HAZUS is a regional earthquake loss estimation model that was developed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the National Institute of Building Sciences. The primary purpose of HAZUS is to provide a methodology and software application to develop earthquake losses at a regional scale. These loss estimates would be used primarily by local, state and regional officials to plan and stimulate efforts to reduce risks from earthquakes and to prepare for emergency response and recovery. The earthquake loss estimates provided in this report were based on regions that include 1 county (ies) from the following state: - Wyoming Note: Appendix A contains a complete listing of the counties contained in the region. The geographical size of the region is 4,308 square miles and contains 14 census tracts. There are over 12 thousand households in the region and has a total population of 30,800 people (1990 Census Bureau data). The distribution of population by State and County is provided in Appendix B. There are an estimated 10 thousand buildings in the region with a total building replacement value (excluding contents) of 1,392 million dollars (1994 dollars). Approximately 97% of the buildings (and 81% of the building value) are associated with residential housing. The replacement value of the transportation and utility lifeline systems is estimated to be 6,309 and 3,936 million dollars (1994 dollars), respectively. ---PAGE BREAK--- 114 I P a g e HAZUS estimates that there are 10,000 buildings in the region which have an aggregate total replacement value of 1,392 million dollars (1994 dollars). Figure 10.6 presents the relative distribution of the value with respect to the general occupancies. Building Inventory Figure 10.6 Building Exposures by Occupancy Type (Thousands of dollars) In terms of building construction types found in the region, wood frame construction makes up 73% of the building inventory. The remaining percentage is distributed between the other general building types. Critical Facility Inventory HAZUS breaks critical facilities into two groups: essential facilities and high potential loss (HPL) facilities. Essential facilities include hospitals, medical clinics, schools, fire stations, police station and emergency operations facilities. High potential loss facilities include dams, levees, military installations, nuclear power plants, and hazardous material sites. For essential facilities, there are 7 hospitals and/or emergency care facilities in the region with a total bed capacity of 309 beds. There are 126 schools, 10 fire stations, 5 police stations and 1 emergency operation facility. With respect to HPL facilities, there are 84 dams identified within the region. Of these, 1 of the dams is classified as ‘high hazard’. The inventory also includes 51 hazardous material sites, 0 military installations, and 0 nuclear power plants. ---PAGE BREAK--- 115 I P a g e Transportation and Utility Lifeline Inventory Within HAZUS, the lifeline inventory is divided between transportation and utility lifeline systems. There are seven transportation systems that include highways, railways, light rail, bus, ports, ferry, and airports. There are six utility systems that include potable water, wastewater, natural gas, crude & refined oil, electric power, and communications. The lifeline inventory data is provided in Tables 8 and 9. The total value of the lifeline inventory is over 6,357 million dollars. This inventory includes over 507 kilometers of highways, 130 bridges, and 0 kilometers of pipes. System # Locations/ Replacement value (Millions of dollars) Highway Major Roads Bridges Tunnels Rail Tracks Railways Bridges Tunnels Facilities Light Rail Rail Tracks Tunnels Facilities Bus Facilities Ferry Facilities Port Facilities Airport Facilities Runways 5,070 429 0 518 5 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 32 252 6,309 0 0 0 0 4 9 Table 10.2: Transportation System Lifeline Inventory 129 0 1 0 0 0 1 Bridges 30 183 0 Component Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal 5,499 526 0 284 Total # Segments ---PAGE BREAK--- 116 I P a g e System Replacement value (Millions of dollars) Potable Water Pipelines Facilities Pipelines Waste Water Facilities Natural Gas Pipelines Facilities Oil Systems Pipelines Electrical Power Facilities Communication Facilities Facilities # Locations / Table 10.3: Utility System Lifeline inventory Total 0 0 0 0 0 18 3 2 0 0 Subtotal Component Segments Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Distribution Lines NA NA NA NA NA 0.0 0.0 1,597.6 0.0 0.0 958.5 0.0 0.0 639.0 0.0 12.1 0.0 479.3 36.0 213.0 1,597.6 958.5 639.0 12.1 479.3 249.0 3,935.5 Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal Earthquake Scenario HAZUS uses the following set of information to define the earthquake parameters used for the earthquake loss estimate provided in this report. Latitude of Epicenter Earthquake Magnitude Depth (Km) Attenuation Function NA Scenario Name 2500 Year Probabilistic Mag 6.5 Event Type of Earthquake Fault Name Historical Epicenter ID # Longitude of Epicenter Probabilistic Return Period Rupture Length (Km) Rupture Orientation (degrees) NA 6.50 NA NA NA NA 7 Probabilistic event NA ---PAGE BREAK--- 117 I P a g e HAZUS estimates that about 879 buildings will be moderately or extensively damaged. This is 8.79% of the total number of buildings in the region. There are an estimated 26 buildings that will be completely destroyed. The definition of the ‘damage states’ is provided in Volume 1: Chapter 5 of the HAZUS technical manual. Table 9.4 below summaries the expected damage by general occupancy for the buildings in the region. Table 9.5 summaries the expected damage by general building type. Building Damage Agriculture Commercial Education Government Industrial Religion Table 10.4: Expected Building Damage by Occupancy Residential None Slight Count Count Moderate 7 125 9 0 15 10 6,957 Extensive Count Complete Count Count 0 28 1 0 2 2 1,757 0 25 1 0 2 2 730 0 3 0 0 0 0 116 0 0 0 0 0 26 0 7,123 1,790 760 119 26 Total 0.21 1.75 0.13 0.21 0.14 0.00 97.67 0.00 1.56 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.11 98.16 0.00 3.29 0.13 0.00 0.26 0.26 96.05 0.00 2.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 97.48 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 Table 10.5: Expected Building Damage by Building Type (All Design Levels) Extensive Count Complete Count Count Moderate Count Slight Count None 0.0 0.8 0.7 1.3 0.7 1 10 13 53 0 Concrete 76.0 82.2 24.4 54.1 10.0 97 411 436 714 19 Mobile Homes 0.0 0.8 0.4 0.9 0.4 1 7 7 32 0 Precast Concrete 24.0 14.4 4.4 11.1 5.8 17 84 79 416 6 RM* 0.0 0.0 0.2 1.1 0.8 0 8 4 54 0 Steel 0.0 1.7 1.7 2.2 0.8 2 17 30 58 0 URM* 0.0 0.0 68.2 29.3 81.4 0 223 1,221 5,796 0 Wood *Note: RM Reinforced Masonry URM Unreinforced Masonry ---PAGE BREAK--- 118 I P a g e Essential Facility Damage Before the earthquake, the region had 309 hospital beds available for use. On the day of the earthquake, the model estimates that only 201 hospital beds (65%) are available for use by patients already in the hospital and those injured by the earthquake. After one week, 77% of the beds will be back in service. By 30 days, 91% will be operational. Total Hospitals Schools EOCs Police Stations Fire Stations Damage > 50% 7 126 1 10 5 Table 10.6: Expected Damage to Essential Facilities Least Moderate # Facilities Complete Damage > 50% 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Classification Functionality > 50% at day 1 1 7 7 5 121 ---PAGE BREAK--- 119 I P a g e Transportation and Utility Lifeline Damage Table 10.7 provides damage estimates for the transportation system. Roads Bridges Tunnels Tracks Bridges Tunnels With at Least Number of Locations Highway Railways Facilities Tracks Light Rail Bridges Tunnels Facilities Bus Facilities Facilities Ferry Port Airport Facilities Facilities Runways 1 0 0 0 0 4 9 129 0 1 0 0 0 30 0 0 After Day 7 After Day 1 With Functionality > 50 % Damage With Complete 4 9 0 0 129 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 183 0 4 9 0 0 129 30 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 183 0 System Component Locations/ Mod. Damage Table 10.7: Expected Damage to the Transportation Systems Segments 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tables 10.8-10.10 provide information on the damage to the utility lifeline systems. Table 10.10 provides damage to the utility system facilities. Table 10.11 provides estimates on the number of leaks and breaks by the pipelines of the utility systems. For electric power and potable water, HAZUS performs a simplified system performance analysis. Table 10.12 provides a summary of the system performance information. Note: Roadway segments, railroad tracks and light rail tracks are assumed to be damaged by ground failure only. If ground failure maps are not provided, damage estimates to these components will not be computed. ---PAGE BREAK--- 120 I P a g e Potable Water Waste Water Natural Gas Oil Systems Electrical Power Communication 0 0 18 0 0 0 With Functionality > 50 % After Day 7 After Day 1 With Complete Damage System # of Locations With at Least Moderate Damage 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 18 0 0 0 0 0 Total Table 10.8: Expected Utility System Facility Damage 18 4 0 18 18 Total # Potable Water Waste Water Natural Gas Oil Total Pipelines Length (kms) Leaks Number of Number of Breaks 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73 3 1 System Total Table 10.9: Expected Utility System Pipeline Damage 73 3 1 Potable Water Electric Power Total # of Households At Day 3 At Day 7 At Day 30 Number of Households without Service At Day 1 Table 10.10: Expected Portable Water and Electric Power System Performance 5,566 5,471 At Day 90 5,275 4,037 493 12,010 12,010 5,061 1,814 326 0 0 (Level 1) ---PAGE BREAK--- 121 I P a g e Induced Earthquake Damage HAZUS estimates the amount of debris that will be generated by the earthquake. The model breaks the debris into two general categories: a) brick/wood and b) reinforced concrete/steel. This distinction is made because of the different types of material handling equipment required to handle the debris. The model estimates that a total of 0.04 million tons of debris will be generated. Of the total amount, brick/wood comprises 29% of the total, with the remainder being reinforced concrete/steel. If the debris tonnage is converted to an estimated number of truckloads, it will require 1,000 truckloads (@25 tons/truck) to remove the debris generated by the earthquake. Fires often occur after an earthquake. Because of the number of fires and the lack of water to fight the fires, they can often burn out of control. HAZUS uses a Monte Carlo simulation model to estimate the number of ignitions and the amount of burnt area. For this scenario, the model estimates that there will be 2 ignitions that will burn about 10 sq. mi (0.1% of the region’s total area.) The model also estimates that the fires will displace about 0 people and burn about 0 million dollars of building value. ---PAGE BREAK--- 122 I P a g e Social Impact HAZUS estimates the number of households that are expected to be displaced from their homes due to the earthquake and the number of displaced people that will require accommodations in temporary public shelters. The model estimates 40 households to be displaced due to the earthquake. Of these, 32 people (out of a total population of 30,800) will seek temporary shelter in public shelters. Casualties HAZUS estimates the number of people that will be injured and killed by the earthquake. The casualties are broken down into four severity levels that describe the extent of the injuries. The levels are described as follows; · Severity Level 1: Injuries will require medical attention but hospitalization is not needed. · Severity Level 2: Injuries will require hospitalization but are not considered life threatening · Severity Level 3: Injuries will require hospitalization and can become life threatening if not treated. · Severity Level 4: Victims are killed by the earthquake. The casualty estimates are provided for three times of day: 2:00 AM, 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. These times represent the periods of the day that different sectors of the community are at their peak occupancy loads. The 2:00 AM estimate considers that the residential occupancy load is maximum; 46 Residential Non-Residential Commute Residential Non-Residential Commute Level 1 4. A 5. P Residential 5 PM Non-Residential Commute Table 10.11: Casualty Estimates Total Total Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Total 15 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 3 0 1 3 0 0 ---PAGE BREAK--- 123 I P a g e Economic Loss The total economic loss estimated for the earthquake is 73 million dollars, which represents 1 % of the total replacement value of the region’s buildings. 0 44 11 2 3 0 0 0 0 11 2 3 3 1 0 0 16 4 1 1 0 Building-Related Losses The building losses are broken into two categories: direct building losses and business interruption losses. The direct building losses are the estimated costs to repair or replace the damage caused to the building and its contents. The business interruption losses are the losses associated with inability to operate a business because of the damage sustained during the earthquake. Business interruption losses also include the temporary living expenses for those people displaced from their homes because of the earthquake. The total building-related losses were 64 million dollars. 25% of the estimated losses were related to the business interruption of the region. The largest loss was sustained by the residential occupancies which made up over 62% of the total loss. Table 10.12 below provides a summary of the losses associated with the building damage. Others Industrial Commercial Residential Building Structural Non-Structural Content Inventory Total Business Interruption Loss Wage Income Rental Table 10.12: Building-Related Economic Loss Estimates (Millions of dollars) Subtotal Subtotal Total 10.9 1.2 2.1 63.9 20.2 1.4 3.0 39.4 Loss Relocation 2.9 0.7 0.1 2.1 5.8 Area ---PAGE BREAK--- 124 I P a g e Transportation and Utility Lifeline Losses For the transportation and utility lifeline systems, HAZUS computes the direct repair cost for each component only. There are no losses computed by HAZUS for business interruption due to lifeline outages. Tables 10.13 & 10.14 provide a detailed breakdown in the expected lifeline losses. HAZUS estimates the long-term economic impacts to the region for 15 years after the earthquake. The model quantifies this information in terms of income and employment changes within the region. Table 10.13 presents the results of the region for the given earthquake. Table 10.13: Transportation System Economic Losses (Millions of dollars) Roads Bridges Tunnels Tracks Bridges Tunnels Inventory Value Highway Railways Facilities Tracks Light Rail Bridges Tunnels Facilities Bus Facilities Facilities Ferry Port Airport Facilities Facilities Runways 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5,070.4 429.0 0.0 517.6 5.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 32.0 252.0 System Component Economic Loss Loss Ratio Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal Subtotal 3.0 5,499.4 525.6 0.0 284.0 0.0 0.0 3.5 0.0 6,309.0 4.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 5.7 0.0 7.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.9 0.0 3.5 1.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 125 I P a g e Table 10.14: Utility System Economic Losses (Millions of dollars) Potable Water Waste Water Natural Gas Oil Systems Electrical Power Communication System Component Pipelines Facilities Inventory Value Economic Loss Subtotal Loss Ratio Pipelines Facilities Subtotal Pipelines Facilities Subtotal Pipelines Facilities Subtotal Facilities Facilities Total 4.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 4.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Distribution Lines Subtotal Distribution Lines Subtotal 0.0 1,597.6 0.0 1,597.6 0.0 0.0 958.5 958.5 0.0 0.0 639.0 639.0 12.1 0.0 12.1 0.0 479.3 479.3 36.0 213.0 249.0 3,935.5 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA 0.0 4.7 0.01 0.0 13.1 1 2 3 4 5 6-15 0 -0.11 0 0.00 -1 -0.33 0 0.00 5 1.33 303 1.98 5 1.33 303 1.98 5 1.33 303 1.98 5 1.33 303 1.98 Income Impact (millions % Income Impact Employment Impact Year(s) % Employment Impact Table 10.15. Indirect Economic Impact (With outside aid) ---PAGE BREAK--- 126 I P a g e Total Non-Residential Residential Building Value (millions of dollars) Population County Name State Wyoming Albany 1,120 270 1,390 30,800 1,390 State Total 270 1,120 30,800 1,390 Region Total 270 1,120 30,800 Regional Population and Building Value Data ---PAGE BREAK--- 127 I P a g e TABLE 10.16 Direct Economic Losses for buildings Direct Economic Losses for Buildings March 25, 2003 All values are in thousands of dollars Capital Stock Losses Income Losses Cost Cost Cost Inventory Loss Relocation Capital Wages Rental Total Structural Contents Loss Non-struct. Ratio Loss Related Losses Income Loss Damage Damage Damage % Loss Loss Wyoming 27,576 Albany 6,626 13,307 182 3,751 3,718 3,024 5,762 63,946 2.46 27,576 6,626 13,307 182 Total State 3,751 3,718 3,024 5,762 63,946 2.46 Study Region Total 27,576 182 13,307 6,626 5,762 3,024 3,718 2.46 3,751 63,946 Albany County 2500 Year Probabilistic Mag 6.5 Event Study Region: Scenario: ---PAGE BREAK--- 128 I P a g e SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Medium POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILITY: Low-Medium JURIDISDICTION AFFECTED: Both the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are affected as well as the outlying communities of Albany County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 129 I P a g e CHAPTER XI. FLOODS AND FLASH FLOODS Figure 11.1 The Laramie River meanders across its floodplain in Albany County, Wyoming, 1949. Floods can and have caused significant damage in Wyoming and are one of the more significant natural hazards in the state (Figure 11.2). They can cause millions of dollars in damage in just a few hours. Every county and many communities in the state have experienced some kind of flooding after spring rains, heavy thunderstorms, winter snow thaws, or ice jams. A flood, as defined by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), is a general and temporary condition of partial or complete inundation of two or more acres of normally dry land area or of two or more properties from overflow of waters, unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of surface waters from any source, or a mudflow. Floods can be slow or fast rising, but generally develop over a period of many hours or days. Floods can also occur with little or no warning and can reach full peak in only a few minutes. Such floods are called flash floods. A flash flood usually results from intense storms dropping large amounts of rain within a brief period. Floods can occur for reasons other than precipitation or rapidly melting snow. They can also occur because of ice jams or natural and man-made dam failures, both of which have occurred in Wyoming. HISTORY Flooding is an event that can happen anytime in Albany County. Dams break, snow melts, and ice jams and flashfloods occur, all creating a potential for flooding in the local jurisdictions and outlying communities. The abbreviated flood history below (Table 11.1) was in large part derived from the storm data reports generated and ---PAGE BREAK--- 130 I P a g e released by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Climatic Data Center (NCDC). Other sources are unpublished reports from the Wyoming Office of Homeland Security, newspaper accounts, and periodicals from public libraries. The table represents floods that have caused damage, injuries, or loss of life in Albany County. Not all flood activity is reported. As a result this chart may not represent an accurate flood history in Albany County. The last flooding to be documented was in 2006 when the Laramie River flooded, but did not cause damage to any infrastructures in the area and thus was not included in the chart below. The Laramie River typically reaches its banks in May and June and will have minor flooding along the floodplain areas. Table 11.1 Albany County Flood History 1905-current Date County Location Deaths/Injuries Information 5/8/1905 Albany Spring Creek Overflowing of the creek caused by thunderstorms occurring throughout the watershed during the spring and summer resulting in a flood damaging property and interrupting transportation due to roads being washed out. 6/12/1923 Albany Laramie River Snowmelt probably combined with rainfall runoff resulted in a flood 25- to a greater than 100 year flood. 9/1/1938 Albany Southeast, Central WY Some Damage was reported from the heavy rains to highways and bridges in the southeast and central portion of the state. 6/8/1945 Albany Laramie Moderate to heavy storms occurred in Laramie on the 8th and 22nd. These storms resulted in considerable damage to crops, gardens and vegetation. 6/22/1945 Albany Laramie Moderate to heavy storms occurred in Laramie on the 8th and 22nd. These storms resulted in considerable damage to crops, gardens and vegetation. 7/28/1953 Albany A flash flood in Northern Albany County destroyed some buildings and machinery. ---PAGE BREAK--- 131 I P a g e 7/29/1953 Albany Laramie 1 death Cloudburst caused a flash flood down canyon where there was damage to roads, ranches, outbuildings, fences, haystacks, corrals, and machinery. There was $1800 total damage to national forest: roads $1000, meadows $500 and springs $300. Major through- fare over $30,000, loss of livestock: cows, calves, and horses. Pioneer residents remembered this as the heaviest rain. 7/30/1953 Albany North Albany County 1 death On the afternoon of the 30th, a cloudburst just east of Laramie, sent flood waters roaring down Telephone Canyon. A car was caught on Highway 30, in the canyon, and one of the passengers was killed. The car itself was tumbled about a half mile by raging waters. Damage to the highway was estimated at $25,000. 7/28/1955 Albany East of Laramie On the 28th, the observer at the Double Four Ranch noted that cloudburst west of Garrett on the headwaters of the North Laramie River the day before had caused damage, and threat the river rose 6-8 feet about midnight, washing out a dam and flooding ditches in his locality. 6/9/1957 Albany Double Four Ranch Flooding from late spring, slow melt then high temperatures with falling rain channel not kept clear because of drought years; silt deposited and debris collected. This caused quarries to be flooded; bridges, culverts washed out, flooding of homes (West Sheridan); ranch buildings damaged; families evacuated. This was a greater than 80 year flood that had a discharge of 3800 cubic feet per second at Pioneer Dam 25 miles southwest of Laramie according to WEMA, Laramie Boomerang, Flood Damage inventory. FEMA flood insurance study October 16, 1996 set the discharge amount to 3250 CFS. ---PAGE BREAK--- 132 I P a g e 6/10/1970 Albany Flooding from the Laramie River caused $125,000 worth in damages 7/23/1984 Albany Laramie River Flash flooding from a late evening thunderstorm in East Laramie did thousands of dollars in damage to residences and businesses. The 100 year storm produced 1.04 inches of water in less than 24 hours. A wall of water breached dike, and storm sewers overloaded. Damage to residences and businesses estimated to be thousands of dollars. The University of Wyoming damage estimated to be $100,000. Wyoming school of Gymnastics estimated to be $12,000. Five percent of Laramie homes were damaged as well as flood channels damaged with erosion to bridges. 8/15/1984 Albany Laramie Thunderstorms dumped up to 1.67 inches of rain in an hour long deluge across Laramie. Damage to basements of houses, cars, and a just completed flood channel. Damages estimated at $22,500 7/19/1985 Albany Storms dumped up to 1.26 inches of rain in Laramie, causing minor urban flooding. Two confirmed funnel clouds were also reported. One was west and the other was southwest, of Laramie at a distance of about 10 miles. Damages estimated at $22,500. ---PAGE BREAK--- 133 I P a g e 6/10/1986 Albany/Carbon County 35 NW Laramie Pierce Dam failed at 1941 MST, spilling its contents into Rock Creek. This was about 35 miles northwest of Laramie along the Albany and Carbon County line. A bridge over Rock Creek along Wyoming Highway 13 was undercut. There was some flooding of buildings and ranch lands where Rock Creek runs into the Medicine Bow River. Damages estimated at $225,000. 8/20/1990 Albany/Platte County 25 miles SW Wheatland A small but intense thunderstorm dumped up to 4 inches of rain and small hail just east of the Sybille Research Center. Water filled normally dry creeks, with Wyoming Highway 34 covered with up to 4-5 feet of water in some spots. Some bridges and corrals were washed out on ranches. Damages estimated to be $22,500. ---PAGE BREAK--- 134 I P a g e Table 11.2 – County Rankings by Flood Damage County Total Dollar Damage Year of Event USD Property Damage Year of Event USD Crop Damage Year of Event USD Injuries Deaths Total Dollar Damage 2006 USD Laramie 66,563,000 66,443,000 120,000 70 16 131,589,788 Platte 3,334,225 3,009,225 325,000 0 11 28,407,328 Big Horn 3,298,250 1,046,000 2,252,250 0 0 20,765,128 Fremont 1,936,725 1,914,225 22,500 0 3 15,167,689 Natrona 4,702,500 4,702,500 0 0 33 14,678,502 Carbon 5,002,250 5,002,250 0 0 0 9,382,564 Park 2,803,250 2,803,250 0 0 0 7,328,517 Goshen 3,420,000 3,060,000 360,000 0 0 7,188,033 Sheridan 867,000 866,000 1,000 0 1 7,152,228 Converse 1,181,500 1,181,500 0 0 1 6,257,044 Sweetwater 2,373,725 2,373,725 0 1 1 5,059,161 Campbell 1,923,748 1,922,725 1,023 0 1 4,501,091 Johnson 1,049,900 1,048,900 1,000 1 0 2,805,056 Teton 290,000 290,000 0 0 2,493,997 Hot Springs 394,750 349,750 45,000 0 0 1,902,375 Washakie 381,500 336,500 45,000 0 0 749,306 Albany 215,600 215,600 0 0 2 740,008 Crook 147,750 99,500 48,250 0 0 358,431 Sublette 20,000 20,000 0 0 0 150,376 Niobrara 44,500 42,250 2,250 0 0 70,396 Lincoln 32,500 22,500 10,000 0 0 47,759 Uinta 22,500 22,500 0 0 0 4,173 Weston 100,500 100,500 0 0 0 3,759 Regional 27,498,500 26,751,000 747,500 0 94,852,191 Total 127,604,173 123,623,400 3,980,773 72 69 361,654,900 ---PAGE BREAK--- 135 I P a g e 11.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 136 I P a g e IMPACTS Floods and flood damage have occurred in every county in Wyoming. Table 11.2 shows the distribution of the amount of crop, property and total damage in reported dollars (year of event) and in 2006 dollars to adjust for inflation, as well as the number of injuries and deaths associated with floods. The total documented flood damage for 1905 to present is over $127.6 million. In 2006 dollars the damage would be over $361.6 million. Table 11.2 also shows the ranking of counties based upon dollar damages in 2006 dollars. No obvious regional patterns for floods can be determined from Table 11.2. Figure 11.3—Wyoming Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Coverage. ---PAGE BREAK--- 137 I P a g e Table 11.4—Composite Ranking of Counties. County FIRM Building Exposure (FBE) (USD) FBE Rank Damage (2006 USD) Damage Rank Composite Rank Laramie 475,872,824 21 131,589,7884 23 44 Natrona 587,434,021 22 14,678,502 19 41 Sweetwater 311,450,629 20 5,059,161 13 33 Teton 597,409,612 23 2,493,997 10 33 Sheridan 128,679,116 17 7,152,228 15 32 Fremont 38,890,385 10 15,167,689 20 30 Converse 108,588,752 16 6,257,044 14 30 Big Horn 29,704,350 8 20,765,128 21 29 Carbon 40,950,298 11 9,382,564 18 29 Park 45,051,824 12 7,328,517 17 29 Platte 22,324,450 5 28,407,328 22 27 Campbell 93,879,876 15 4,501,091 12 27 Table 11.3 – Flood-Related Building Exposure Values Ranked by County County FIRM Building Exposure Value (USD) Teton 597,409,612 Natrona 587,434,021 Laramie 475,872,824 Sweetwater 311,450,629 Albany 178,977,772 Uinta 129,531,065 Sheridan 128,679,116 Converse 108,588,751 Campbell 93,879,876 Lincoln 76,773,848 Washakie 50,151,680 Park 45,051,824 Carbon 40,950,298 Fremont 38,890,385 Sublette 36,685,817 Big Horn 29,704,350 Hot Springs 26,577,959 Goshen 26,552,574 Platte 22,324,450 Johnson 17,477,646 Crook 11,243,224 Weston 10,981,061 Niobrara 1,866,236 Total 3,047,055,018 ---PAGE BREAK--- 138 I P a g e Albany 178,977,772 19 740,008 7 26 Goshen 26,552,574 6 7,188,033 16 22 Washakie 50,151,680 13 749,306 8 21 Uinta 129,531,065 18 4,173 2 20 Lincoln 76,773,848 14 47,759 3 17 Hot Springs 26,577,959 7 1,902,375 9 16 Johnson 17,477,646 4 2,805,056 11 15 Sublette 36,685,817 9 150,376 5 14 Crook 11,243,224 3 358,431 6 9 Niobrara 1,866,236 1 70,396 4 5 Weston 10,981,061 2 3,759 1 3 NFIP for Albany County The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is a Federal program enabling property owners in participating communities to purchase insurance protection against losses from flooding. This insurance is designed to provide an insurance alternative to disaster assistance to meet the escalating costs of repairing damage to buildings and their contents caused by floods. Participation in the NFIP is based on an agreement between local communities and the Federal Government that states if a community will adopt and enforce a floodplain management ordinance to reduce future flood risks to new construction in Special Flood Hazard Areas, the Federal Government will make flood insurance available within the community as a financial protection against flood losses. The following is the NFIP for Albany County and the jurisdiction of Laramie, Rock River does not participate. There are no repetitive loss properties for either Albany County or the City of Laramie. NFIP City of Laramie Regular entry: 7/16/1979 Status effective: 7/16/1979 Policies in force: 71 Total premiums: $43,570 Insurance in force: $10,223,900.00 No. of paid losses: 0 Total losses paid: $0.00 Group flood policies: 0 Effective map date: 10/161986 Sub. Damage claims since 1978: 0 ---PAGE BREAK--- 139 I P a g e Single family Policies in force: 66 Premium: $41,534 Insurance in force: $9,172,100 2-4 Family Policies in force: 4 Premium: $1,452 Insurance in force: $551,800 Non- Residential Policies in force: 1 Premium: $584 Insurance in force: $500,000 No Community Repetitive Loss for the City of Laramie NFIP Albany County Regular entry: 10/1/1986 Status entry: 10/1/1986 Emergency entry: 06/21/1984 Policies in force: 19 Total premiums: $16,993 Insurance in force: $4,078,600.00 No. of paid losses: 1 Total losses paid: $5,898.71 Effective Map Date: 10/1/1986 Group flood policies: 0 Sub. Damage claims since 1978: 0 Single Family: Policies in Force: 18 Premium: $16,444 Insurance in Force: $3,895,600 Number of Closed Paid Losses: 1 $ of Closed Paid Losses: $5,898.71 2-4 family: Policies in Force: 0 ---PAGE BREAK--- 140 I P a g e Premium: 0 Insurance in Force: 0 Number of Closed Paid Losses: 0 $ of Closed Paid Losses: 0 Non Residential: Policies in Force: 1 Premium: $549 Insurance in Force: $183,000 Number of Closed Paid Losses: 0 $ of Closed Paid Losses: 0 No Community Repetitive Loss for Albany County Albany County plans to continue to educate the public about NFIP and encourage the jurisdiction of Rock River to join in the plan. The jurisdiction of Rock River did not feel like it was necessary that their community participated. We hope to be able to add Rock River in the future. The County would benefit from updated maps that show the newly developed areas of west, south and east sides of Laramie. ---PAGE BREAK--- 141 I P a g e Figure 11.4 Building Exposure Value for 100 year flood ---PAGE BREAK--- 142 I P a g e Figure 11.5 Building Exposure Value for 500 year flood ---PAGE BREAK--- 143 I P a g e Figure 11.6 Building Exposure Values for the City of Laramie 100 year flood ---PAGE BREAK--- 144 I P a g e Figure 11.7 Building exposure values for the City of Laramie 500 year flood ---PAGE BREAK--- 145 FUTURE IMPACTS When Albany County receives excess moisture, it is susceptible to flooding. According to historical events there have been floods both in the City of Laramie and Rock River as well as in the County. Actions have been taken to reduce the risk of floods in some parts of the City and County, but due to lack of funds, some repairs are still needed. In the City of Laramie, flood mapping is based on FEMA’s work along Spring Creek Channel and the Laramie River. The West Laramie Drainage Study and the North Laramie Drainage Study both reviewed existing scenarios of development and infrastructure and provided calculated rainfall impacts well beyond the FEMA work. Impact is limited, depending on future construction of infrastructure and very little has been done with construction of drainage infrastructure since both of those studies pointed out specific needs, lack of funding with other city priorities. The City of Laramie has never had the funds, and therefore never completed, the South Laramie Drainage Study, which means the City of Laramie may have potential flooding areas that it cannot yet address. NO FLOOD ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSSES AVAILABLE: NO NEW FLOOD INSURANCE STUDIES HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED SINCE THE LAST REVISION OF THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: High POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILITY: Medium JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Both the jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River are affected as is the rest of the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 146 CHAPTER XII. DAM FAILURES The dams and reservoirs of Albany County serve a very important role for Wyoming residents and industry. Rarely, the dams fail, either completely or partially, but can become a significant hazard for those Dam failures can be arranged into four classifications: overtopping, foundation failure, structural failure, and other unforeseen failures. Overtopping failures result from the uncontrolled flow of water over, around, and adjacent to the dam. Earthen dams are most susceptible to this type of failure. Hydraulic failures account for approximately 28% of all dam failures. Foundation and structural failures are usually tied to seepage through the foundation of the main structure of the dam. Deformation of the foundation or settling of the embankment can also result in dam failure. Structural failures account for approximately 28% of all dam failures, and foundation problems account for another 25%. Earthquakes or sabotage account for 12% of all dam failures, while inadequate design and construction account for the remaining 7% of failures. In 1981, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completed an inspection program for nonfederal dams under the National Dam Inspection Act (P.L. 92-367). This was a four- year work effort and included compiling an inventory of about 50,000 dams and conducting a review of each state’s capabilities, practices, and regulations regarding design, construction, operation, and maintenance of dams. Part of the inspection included evaluating the dams and assigning a hazard potential based on the effects should a dam fail. Dams are classified based upon hazard potential. This classification is based on the consequences if the dam were to fail, not the potential of failure, or the existing condition of the dam. The dams were rated high, significant, and low hazard. The Corps of Engineers based the hazard potential designation on such items as acre-feet capacity of the dam, distance from nearest community population density of the community, and age of the dam. High hazard dams would, in case of failure of the dam, likely cause loss of life. Significant hazard dams would, in case of failure, likely cause significant property damage, but no loss of life. Failure of a low hazard dam would likely cause only minimal property damage. Hazard potential classification is no guarantee of safety. The Wyoming State Engineer’s Office (WSEO) regulates dams over 20 feet high or with a storage capacity of 50 acre-feet or more, although smaller dams are also regulated if the potential for failure indicates a need. The WSEO currently regulates 1,467 dams. As a part of the regulatory process the WSEO inspects these dams once every five years. Of these dams, 79 are rated high hazard, 116 are rated significant hazard, and 1,272 are rated low hazard. Figure 12.1 shows the locations of dams that are inspected by the WSEO. ---PAGE BREAK--- 147 Figure 12.1—Dams inspected by the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation ---PAGE BREAK--- 148 DAM FEATURES IN ALBANY COUNTY, WYOMING Feature Type County USGS Topo Map Elevation Lat Long Alvie Number One Dam Dam Albany Ragged Top Mountain 7574 feet 41.485ºN 105.372ºW Bar M Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Cottonwood Creek 7938 feet 42.242ºN 105.692ºW Bar M Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Toltec 8200 feet 42.255ºN 105.626ºW Bar M Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Cottonwood Creek 8049 feet 42.245ºN 105.667ºW Beery Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Aurora Lake 6721 feet 41.898ºN 106.059ºW Bell and Scranton Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Toltec 7977 feet 42.333ºN 105.634ºW Bell and Scranton Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Toltec 7560 feet 42.295ºN 105.702ºW Bell and Scranton Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Windy Peak 7741 feet 42.315ºN 105.622ºW Bell Dam Dam Albany Goat Mountain 6514 feet 41.590ºN 105.292ºW Berry Dam Dam Albany Aurora Lake 6750 feet 41.907ºN 106.044ºW Bliss Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Baldy Mountain 7774 feet 41.558ºN 105.449ºW Brown Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Turpin Reservoir 9486 feet 41.420ºN 106.419ºW Canon Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 7000 feet 41.658ºN 105.344ºW Canon Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 7003 feet 41.657ºN 105.336ºW Canon Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 6931 feet 41.658ºN 105.341ºW Canon Number 4 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 7341 feet 41.658ºN 105.356ºW Canon Number 5 Dam Dam Albany Sheep Rock 7541 feet 41.635ºN 105.377ºW Cashs Home Dam Dam Albany King Mountain 8075 feet 41.450ºN 105.442ºW Cavender Dam Dam Albany Big Judson 7082 feet 41.578ºN 105.901ºW Cavender Dam Dam Albany Cooper Lake North 7019 feet 41.643ºN 105.869ºW Chris Klein Dam Dam Albany Laramie 7265 feet 41.255ºN 105.567ºW Coal Bank Dam Dam Albany Rock River 7065 feet 41.673ºN 105.972ºW Columbus Dam Dam Albany Hutton Lake 7226 feet 41.223ºN 105.626ºW Cooper Dam Dam Albany Big Judson 7180 feet 41.600ºN 105.931ºW Duck Creek Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Garrett 7318 feet 42.020ºN 105.604ºW Dutton Dam Dam Albany Big Judson 7141 feet 41.598ºN 105.919ºW Ella Reservoir Dam Dam Albany Sheep Rock 7774 feet 41.625ºN 105.451ºW Gillespie Dam Dam Albany Sevenmile Spring 6921 feet 41.930ºN 105.752ºW Glade Dam Dam Albany Dodge Ranch 6967 feet 41.918ºN 105.564ºW Grant Creek Dam Dam Albany Poe Mountain 6055 feet 41.753ºN 105.309ºW ---PAGE BREAK--- 149 Grazing Number 1 Stock Dam Dam Albany Rogers Creek 7098 feet 42.155ºN 105.864ºW Harman Dam Dam Albany Caldwell Lake 7262 feet 41.208ºN 105.802ºW Harney Creek Dam Dam Albany Red Buttes 7416 feet 41.155ºN 105.564ºW Home Dam Dam Albany Sevenmile Spring 6921 feet 41.898ºN 105.781ºW Hundred Springs Dam Dam Albany Red Buttes 7321 feet 41.177ºN 105.586ºW Hutton Lake Dam Number 3 Dam Albany Hutton Lake 7213 feet 41.187ºN 105.726ºW Iron Mountain Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 7101 feet 41.630ºN 105.329ºW Iron Mountain Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 6632 feet 41.682ºN 105.297ºW Joe D Dam Dam Albany Rock River 7062 feet 41.638ºN 105.917ºW Johnson Dam Dam Albany Poe Mountain 6432 feet 41.782ºN 105.374ºW Kafka Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Toltec 7462 feet 42.272ºN 105.714ºW Kennedy Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Dodge Ranch 7183 feet 41.965ºN 105.517ºW King Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Bengough Hill 7364 feet 41.593ºN 106.064ºW Lace Dam Dam Albany Pierce Reservoir 7147 feet 41.653ºN 106.041ºW Lake Hattie Dam Dam Albany Sodergreen Lake 7282 feet 41.242ºN 105.899ºW Lake Owen Dam Dam Albany Lake Owen 8974 feet 41.145ºN 106.101ºW Lime Creek Dam Dam Albany Ayres Spring 7242 feet 41.957ºN 105.657ºW Little Brooklyn Lake Dam Dam Albany Medicine Bow Peak 10499 feet 41.367ºN 106.251ºW Little Pierce Dam Dam Albany Pierce Reservoir 7078 feet 41.692ºN 106.071ºW Lone Tree Dam Dam Albany Johnson Ranch 7478 feet 41.088ºN 105.681ºW Lone Tree Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Downey Lakes 7354 feet 41.097ºN 105.761ºW Lost Creek Dam Dam Albany Dodge Ranch 7137 feet 41.970ºN 105.544ºW M G Dam Dam Albany Garrett 7318 feet 42.020ºN 105.604ºW Millbrook Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Millbrook 7452 feet 41.322ºN 105.949ºW Mule Creek Dam Dam Albany Marshall 8167 feet 42.297ºN 105.779ºW Newell Dam Dam Albany Cottonwood Creek 7429 feet 42.195ºN 105.657ºW Nickerson Dam Dam Albany Pathfinder Reservoir SW 6068 feet 42.277ºN 106.996ºW Old Smuggler Dam Dam Albany Howell 7203 feet 41.388ºN 105.562ºW ---PAGE BREAK--- 150 Parker Number 1 Dam Dam Albany South Mountain 6704 feet 42.198ºN 105.431ºW Patrick Ryan Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Sheep Rock 7475 feet 41.660ºN 105.434ºW Phillips Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Toltec 7741 feet 42.295ºN 105.669ºW Pinto Dam Dam Albany Pinto Creek 6983 feet 42.097ºN 105.662ºW Rob Roy Dam Dam Albany Keystone 9355 feet 41.197ºN 106.266ºW Shellhart Fish and Stock Dam Dam Albany Bull Camp Peak 7213 feet 41.997ºN 105.467ºW Sid Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Garrett 7134 feet 42.017ºN 105.566ºW Soda Lake Draw Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Caldwell Lake 7236 feet 41.215ºN 105.809ºW Sportsman Dam Dam Albany Hutton Lake 7360 feet 41.127ºN 105.656ºW Strong Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Baldy Mountain 7747 feet 41.590ºN 105.456ºW Strong Number 4 Dam Dam Albany Baldy Mountain 7462 feet 41.605ºN 105.399ºW Sturgeon Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Davidson Flats 7121 feet 42.088ºN 105.442ºW Sturgeon Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Garrett 6921 feet 42.103ºN 105.616ºW Sundby Dam Dam Albany Lake Owen 7924 feet 41.200ºN 106.089ºW Sundby Reservoir Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Lake Owen 7987 feet 41.217ºN 106.067ºW Three Mile Dam Dam Albany Chalk Hills 7190 feet 42.358ºN 106.019ºW Twenty Mile Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Pinto Creek 7016 feet 42.097ºN 105.721ºW Two Bar Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Indian Guide 6819 feet 41.690ºN 105.342ºW Weaver Dam Dam Albany Dale Creek 7790 feet 41.123ºN 105.497ºW Wellbaum Dam Dam Albany Rogers Creek 7101 feet 42.248ºN 105.874ºW Wheatland Number 2 Dam Dam Albany McGill Lakes 6960 feet 41.838ºN 105.639ºW ---PAGE BREAK--- 151 Wheatland Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Ayres Spring 6944 feet 41.892ºN 105.727ºW Whiskey Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Pierce Reservoir 7045 feet 41.703ºN 106.034ºW Whites Dam Dam Albany Pierce Reservoir 7216 feet 41.743ºN 106.044ºW Williams and Blunk Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Dale Creek 7800 feet 41.082ºN 105.379ºW Williams Number 1 Dam Dam Albany Buford 7803 feet 41.083ºN 105.361ºW Williams Number 2 Dam Dam Albany Dale Creek 7934 feet 41.112ºN 105.459ºW Williams Number 3 Dam Dam Albany Sherman Mountains West 8351 feet 41.185ºN 105.436ºW Willow Creek Dam Dam Albany Best Ranch 7449 feet 41.118ºN 105.582ºW Woodhouse Dam Dam Albany Laramie 7278 feet 41.277ºN 105.559ºW HISTORY The above information was gathered from http://wyoming.hometownlocator.com. By accessing this site one can view Google maps of all the dams listed in Albany County and gather more information on the particular dam and its features. The maps were too comprehensive to include within the plan, but it is a great reference. Albany County has one high risk dam and that is the Rob Roy located in Albany Keystone. This dam is owned and controlled by the City of Cheyenne Board of Public Utilities. Albany County EMA has a copy of the emergency action plan for Rob Roy on hand in case of an emergency or dam failure. The majority of the dams in Albany County are owned privately. Albany County has had two dam failures in its history as outlined below in Table 12.1. Table 12.1 History of Dam Failures in Albany County Date County Location Information 6/28/1955 Albany County Double Four Ranch On the 28th, the observer at the Double Four Ranch noted that cloudbursts west of Garrett on the headwaters of the North Laramie River the day before had caused damage, and that the river rose 6 – 8 feet about midnight, washing out a dam and flooding ditches in his locality 6/10/1986 Albany and Carbon 35 NW Laramie Pierce Dam failed at 1941 MST, spilling its contents ---PAGE BREAK--- 152 County into Rock Creek. This was about 35 miles northwest of Laramie along the Albany and Carbon County line. A bridge over Rock Creek along Wyoming Highway 13 was undercut. There was some flooding of buildings and ranch lands where Rock Creek runs into the Medicine Bow River IMPACTS A dam failure in Albany County could affect the local jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River creating issues with utilities such as sewer system infrastructure contamination into the water supply. The City of Laramie hopes to gain funding to support storm-water management to protect the sewer system and infrastructure. Albany County also needs to take greater responsibility in maintaining stream channels to prevent backup of debris and other hazards that could aid in flooding. Depending on the location and severity of the dam break, our local communities could be severely impacted with water. The City of Laramie has a plan in place to isolate areas of flooding that have caused pipe failures. This could be completed before depleting the supply which would maintain a positive pressure greatly reducing the probability of untreated water entering the system. FUTURE IMPACTS The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation controls most of the larger dams in the state. The dams and reservoirs all have inundation maps for a dam failure. Because of Homeland Security concerns, data on the areas inundated are not available for the study. The failure of many of the large dams may lead to hundreds of millions of dollars in damage. Based upon historic dam failures, a failure with at least $9 million in damages and/or ten deaths could occur. There would be much higher damages and loss of life if one of the large dams failed. Albany County has the possibility for dam failures, but the probability is considered to be relatively low. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Medium POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILTY: Low JURISDICTION AFFECTED: The jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River, as well as the entire county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 153 CHAPTER XIII. LANDSLIDES Landslides are one of the most common geologic hazards in Wyoming, with some of the highest landslide densities in the country found within the state. One of the largest landslide complexes in the country is located southwest of Cody in northwestern Wyoming. The Carter Mountain landslide is more than 5 miles wide and 20 miles long. Landslides cause damage every year in Wyoming, but because many occur in remote areas, public awareness of danger is low. There are many types of landslides present in Wyoming. In order to properly describe landslide type, the Geologic Hazards Section of the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) developed a landslide classification modified from Varnes (1978) and Campbell (1985). As can be seen in Figure 13.1 there are five basic types of landslides that occur in three types of material. Falls, topples, slides, lateral spreads, and flows can occur in bedrock, debris, or earth. While individual landslide types can occur in nature, most landslides are complex, or composed of combinations of basic types of landslides. Falls and topples are easy to visualize. In a fall, material detached from a steep slope or cliff descends, and may bounce and roll. In a topple, a mass rotates forward on a pivot point. If a toppling mass pivots far enough, a fall may result. Slides are characterized by shear displacement along one or several surfaces. Two general types of slides are rotational and translational. In a rotational slide, the surface of rupture is concave upward, and the mass rotates along the concave shear surface. Rotational slides are usually called slumps, and they can occur in bedrock, debris, or earth. In a translational slide, the surface of rupture is a planar or gently undulatory surface. In bedrock and earth, translational slides are usually called block slides if an intact mass slides down the slope. If rock fragments or debris slide down a slope on a distinct shear plane, the movements are called rock slides or debris slides. It is easy to see that confusion can result by applying the term “slide” to all types of landslides. Lateral spreads are characterized by lateral extension movements in a fractured mass. Lateral spread movements may occur in bedrock and soil as a result of liquefaction or plastic flow of subjacent materials, or in bedrock without a well-defined basal shear surface or zone of plastic flow. Lateral spreads in bedrock without a well-defined zone of shearing or flow usually occur on ridge crests. In general, a flow is a moving mass that has differential internal movements that are distributed throughout the mass. While most flows occur in debris and earth, one type of flow, gravitational sagging, does occur in bedrock. Flows in debris and earth can be cohesive or non-cohesive. Both cohesive and non-cohesive flows are further subdivided by water content and material properties. ---PAGE BREAK--- 154 Cohesive flows in debris include soil creep, solifluction, block streams, talus flows, and rock glaciers. Soil creep is an imperceptibly slow deformation that continues under constant stress. Solifluction is a slow flow in soil that is often observed in areas with perennially or permanently frozen ground. Block streams are slow moving tongues of rocky debris on steep slopes, and are often fed by talus cones. Talus flows are slow flows that occur in the basal portions of talus slopes. Rock glaciers are not true landslides, but have been included in the classification scheme because they are mass movements composed of coarse debris. Interstitial ice between debris fragments plays a role in the movement of rock glaciers, which are similar in form to a true glacier. Cohesive flows in earth include soil creep, solifluction, earth flows, and debris laden earth flows. Soil creep and solifluction in earth are similar to those in debris. Earth flows are very slow- rapid flows that have a distinct source area, a main flow track, and a lobate depositional area. Debris-laden earth flows are flows that appear to be earth flows but are composed of debris. Standard classifications do not recognize debris laden earth flows, but many have been observed in Wyoming. Many of the landslides present in Wyoming have an earth flow component. ---PAGE BREAK--- 155 Figure 13.1—Wyoming Landslide Classification. Non-cohesive flows in debris include rock fragment flows and debris flows. Rock fragment flows are extremely rapid flows composed of dry to moist rock debris. This type of flow can be initiated by a rock fall, by seismic activity, or by other processes. In some cases, it appears that rock debris has moved on a cushion of air, although other mechanisms may have dominated the process. Rock fragment flows can cause significant destruction in a short period of time. Debris flows are a slurry flow composed of debris and a significant amount of water. They are usually associated with unusually heavy precipitation or with rapid snowmelt. Debris flows commonly follow preexisting drainage ways, and commonly form debris levees along their main flow track. Debris flows are a significant component of alluvial fans in mountainous areas with the main debris flow deposit having a broad, fairly flat, fan shape. Debris flows are very common ---PAGE BREAK--- 156 in the mountainous areas of Wyoming. This is no exception of the Snowy Mountain Range in Albany County Non-cohesive flows in earth include loess flows, dry sand flows, wet sand flows, rapid earth flows, and mud flows. Loess flows and dry sand flows are rapid to very rapid flows of dry material. Loess flows are usually initiated by seismic activity, and are a fluid suspension of silt in air. Fortunately, none have been identified in Wyoming. Dry sand flows usually occur along shorelines or in Aeolian deposits. In Wyoming, most dry sand flows are very small. Wet sand flows occur along river banks or shorelines composed of saturated clean sand. The destabilized sand usually flows into an adjacent body of water. Wet sand flows are not common in Wyoming. Rapid earth flows, also called quick clay flows, are very rapid flows that involve the liquefaction of subjacent material and the entire slide mass. They usually initiate in sensitive materials, such as quick clay, and are not common in Wyoming. Mud flows are slurry flows composed of earth and a significant amount of water. They differ from debris flows only in the size of their component materials. Most landslides mapped in Wyoming are classified as being complex. For example, many landslides in the state are slump/earth flow complexes. That type of landslide is composed of a slump at its head, with the main body and deposit being an earth flow. Block slides often grade into rock slides, which can further grade into earth flows or debris laden earth flows. Such a movement would be classified as a block slide/rock slide/flow complex. ---PAGE BREAK--- 157 Figure 13.2—Wyoming Landslide Coverage. IMPACTS WYDOT estimates that the approximate yearly cost to remove landslides from roads, maintain landslide-damaged roads, and to study or stabilize landslides is one million dollars per year. Some years have required a larger expenditure of funds. Table 13.1 shows a nine-year total of landslide related expenditures by WYDOT. The total expenditure is $9,830,000. Reference: Wyoming Department of Transportation. Table 13.1—Yearly Costs of Landslide-Related Activities. Fiscal year Cost (USD) 1998 8,000,000 1999 396,500 2000 288,900 2001 194,300 2002 157,200 2003 184,300 2004 154,700 2005 237,700 2006 Not available 2007 216,400 ---PAGE BREAK--- 158 Landslides are present in the southwestern, northwestern, and east-central parts of Albany County. Specifically landslides are present on the following Quadrangles: Albany Bengough Hill Centennial Chalk Hills Indian Guide James Lake Jelm Mountain Keystone Lake Owen Medicine Bow Peak Morgan Millbrook Rex Lake Rock Creek Sand Lake Sherman Mountains East Sodergreen Lake Squaw Spring Strouss Hill All Quadrangles were examined by the Wyoming State Geological Survey and Albany County Emergency Management, and the following areas were determined to pose a potential hazard to homes, roads, or other facilities. Albany and Lake Owen Quadrangles: three blockslide and flow complexes are located immediately south, southwest, and east of Albany (Sections 14, 15, 22, and 23, T14N, and R78W). If the complexes destabilize, damage could occur in or near Albany. The complexes are currently vegetated with trees, and do not appear to pose an immediate threat to the area. Heavy periods of precipitation or significant development could have an effect on slope stability. Centennial Quadrangle: A rockslide/flow/debris flow complex is present immediately north of the North Fork Subdivision (Section 27, T16N, R78W), with a debris flow complex and a rock slide/flow complex present to the northeast (Sections 26 and 27, T16N, R78W). If the complexes destabilize, damage could occur to nearby homes and roads. The complexes are currently vegetated with grasses, and do not appear to pose an immediate threat to the area. Heavy periods of precipitation or significant development could have an effect on slope stability. Rex Lake Quadrangle: A rockslide/flow complex is present on the north flank of Sheep Mountain (Sections 8, 9, 10, and 15, T15N, and R77W). County Highway 11 crosses through the complex in Sections 8 and 9. If the complex destabilizes, the highway would be blocked, although access to the south would still be possible from the west. The complex is currently vegetated with grasses, and does not appear to pose an immediate threat to the area. Heavy periods of precipitation or significant development could have an effect on slope stability. LANDSLIDE ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSSES ---PAGE BREAK--- 159 The attached Table 13.2 contains exposure values for those blocks that intersect landslides within Albany County. In a case where a block does not intersect a landslide, that block will not be shown in the table. $0.00 exposure values indicate that no buildings are present in the respective census block (according to the FEMA census block data). The exposure values are calculated by multiplying the percentage of the census block that intersects the landslide by the total building census block value. Therefore, these exposure values may underestimate or overestimate the real value. These will be updated and revised as more specific data is made available. TABLE 13.2. Exposure values for those blocks that intersect landslides within Albany County Census Block Exposure Value 560019639001127 $0.00 560019639001135 $0.00 560019639001137 $0.00 560019639001703 $0.00 560019639001725 $0.00 560019639001726 $6,624.70 560019639001727 $0.00 560019639001728 $0.00 560019639001741 $0.00 560019639001771 $223,914.10 560019639001782 $64,336.70 560019639002191 $54,345.70 560019639002290 $0.00 560019639002291 $971,645.00 560019639002296 $0.00 560019639002747 $0.00 SUM $1,320,866.20 ---PAGE BREAK--- 160 FIGURE 13.3 Albany County landslide map . ---PAGE BREAK--- 161 FIGURE 13.4. Albany County Building Exposure to Landslides ---PAGE BREAK--- 162 FUTURE IMPACTS There are three measures of future landslide impacts—historic dollar damages, estimated yearly damages, and building exposure values. There are not enough current data to estimate historic dollar damages. Estimated yearly damages, as mentioned above, are one million dollars for roads alone. That would equate to $50 million in a 50-year period and $100 million in a 100-year period. The WSGS calculated the building exposure value for buildings that may occur in or within 100 feet of mapped landslides. All landslides mapped in Wyoming have been digitized (Figure 13.2). The landslides then had a 100-foot buffer digitally added to the outside of their boundary. The modified landslides were then digitally crossed with census block building values. In some cases, a landslide boundary will dissect a census block. In that case the proportional value of buildings in the census block will be assigned to the landslide. If a census block is within a landslide, then the values of all the buildings in the census block is assigned. The values derived by county are shown in Figure 13.5. Table 13.3 shows the ranking of counties based upon landslide building exposure values. Albany County has limited worry for landslides. ---PAGE BREAK--- 163 Figure 13.5—Wyoming Landslide Exposure by County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 164 Although landslides shown in Figure 13.5 have a distinct distribution, the counties do not separate into distinct regions for building exposure values. Table 13.3 does indicate that there are buildings in the state that may be significantly affected by landslides. The total statewide building exposure value for landslides is over $315.3 million. The probability of a landslide causing damage in Albany County is difficult to determine because of the poor historic data. Heavy periods of precipitation or significant development could have an effect on slope stability in the mapped hazard areas. Based on the geological studies county roads are likely to experience direct landslide impacts. Secondary impacts could include flooding from landslide dams and power outages where transmission line may be affected. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: low POPULATION AFFECTED: low PROBABILTY: Medium JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Outlying county communities such as Centennial Table 13.3—Building Exposure Values for Landslides. County Landslide Building Exposure Value (USD) Teton 130,857,545 Lincoln 42,785,955 Park 34,169,685 Natrona 32,075,960 Fremont 20,108,960 Sheridan 14,200,885 Sublette 11,385,760 Uinta 7,301,640 Weston 5,650,450 Crook 4,662,910 Big Horn 3,253,820 Albany 1,752,020 Hot Springs 1,580,470 Johnson 1,504,650 Carbon 1,457,610 Campbell 1,358,830 Sweetwater 623,120 Converse 297,930 Washakie 263,295 Platte 31,285 Niobrara 525 Goshen 0 Laramie 0 Total 315,323,305 ---PAGE BREAK--- 165 CHAPTER XIV. MINE SUBSTINENCE Underground coal mining began in Wyoming during the 1860s. Many of the early coal mines were not designed and constructed well; as a result the underground pillars failed. If enough pillars failed, the cap rock in the mine would collapse, and the effects of the collapse would reach the surface in some cases. If the effects of the collapse reached the surface, a subsidence pit would form. Not all subsidence was due to poor design, however. In some cases, the pillars were pulled as mining retreated from an area. In other cases, fires would occur in mines, resulting in a loss of strength in the pillars and cap rock. HISTORY Significant areas have abandoned underground coal mines present (Figure 14.1). Coal mine subsidence has been threatening select areas of Wyoming since the onset of mining in the 1860s. Due to the long history of underground coal mining in the state, many more undermined areas have subsided than most people imagine. A written history of mine subsidence in or near urban areas was published in the Governor’s Workshop on Mine Subsidence proceedings held on October 31, 1986 at the University of Wyoming. A report titled Overview of Coal Mine Subsidence in Wyoming by James C. Case of the WSGS is an excellent reference point for more information. There have been no reported historical implications of problems created by Albany County Mine Subsidence. The WSGS has also generated a report for each county in Wyoming on abandoned underground coal mines and hard rock mines that have been identified in the county. Since the original plan in 2003 no areas have been labeled as mine subsidence and no incidents have occurred. Significant subsidence problems have occurred in Rock Springs, Hanna, Glenrock, Superior, Reliance, Evanston, Kemmerer, Sheridan, and Gillette. A map showing documented subsidence is shown in Figure 14.1. IMPACTS There have been property and infrastructure damage associated with coal-mine subsidence in Wyoming communities. The dollar amounts of the damage are not readily available. An indirect measure of the impacts is the existing cost of mitigating the hazards. The Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands (AML) Program at Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has spent $85 million mitigating the effects of mine subsidence and on mine reclamation. There are a few abandoned and un-reclaimed coal mines in Albany County. The Rock Creek Mine is located approximately 2 miles south of Rock River in Section 18, T20N, and R76W. Two unnamed mines are located approximately 2.5 miles southeast of Rock River in Section 16, T20N, and R76W. In addition, The Sunshine Mine is located approximately 1.75 miles northwest of Rex Lake in NW Section 22, T16N, and R77W. ---PAGE BREAK--- 166 The mines only pose a site-specific hazard, and no facilities, roads, or homes are at risk. No development should be allowed at the mine sites until it can be shown that reclamation has occurred and that the reclamation was successful and that the area is safe. There are also a number of hard-rock mines in Medicine Bow National Forest near the Centennial ridge area located west and southwest of Centennial in Sections 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 16, and 17, T15N, R78W and in Section 1, T15N, R79W. All the mines have been reclaimed or sealed except for the Independence Mine in Section 8, T15N, and R78W. As such, no significant hazard exists. FUTURE IMPACTS Although many areas of the state have already had mitigation projects designed to reduce or remove the impacts from underground mining and subsidence, subsidence may still occur in some areas. The dollar impact is impossible to predict, due to inaccurate knowledge and ability to predict damage. Figure 14.1—Mined-out areas and mine subsidence in Wyoming. Gray areas represent mined-out areas with subsidence. Solid areas represent mined-out areas with no known subsidence. ---PAGE BREAK--- 167 14.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 168 SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: low POPULATION AFFECTED: low PROBABILITY: low JURISDICTION AFFECTED: The jurisdiction of Rock River and the outlying communities and areas of Medicine Bow and Centennial. ---PAGE BREAK--- 169 CHAPTER XV. WIND AND WINDBLOWN DEPOSITS Wyoming has some of the most significant windblown deposits in the U.S. Strong winds can mobilize and significantly move sand or silt grains in much of Wyoming. Many of the mapped deposits in Wyoming are somewhat stabilized, but a significant number are still active. The Killpecker Dune Field, in northern Sweetwater County, is more than 50 miles long and 10 miles wide at its widest point. The Seminoe Dune Field, extends from the Seminoe Reservoir to the west for approximately 30 miles, and is approximately 15 miles wide at its widest point. The Casper Dune Field is a part of a much larger series of dune fields that extend from eastern Fremont County to the Casper area (Figure 15.1). Figure 15.1—Wyoming Windblown Deposits. ---PAGE BREAK--- 170 HISTORY There are numerous quadrangles in Albany County with mapped windblown deposits. A detailed summary of the windblown deposit locations is presented in Table 15.1. The names and numbers shown below represent dunes from deposits present on the 1:24,000 paper maps. Other eolian deposits are designated in black and are also available in digital format. TABLE 15.1. Windblown deposit locations in Albany County Quadrangle Name: Township Range Sections: Aurora Lake 22 77 1-4,9-12 23 77 1,2,9-16,21-25,28 Alsop Lake 17 75 6 17 76 1,12 18 75 28-33 Ayres Spring 22 74 4-8,17,18 23 74 17,18,28-33 Bamforth Lake 17 73 31 17 74 36 Big Charlie Lakes 25 76 6,7,18,19 25 77 1,2,11-14 26 76 6,18,19,30,31 26 77 1-4,9-14,22-27,35,36 Big Judson 19 76 24-26 Boot Heel 25 76 4-8,17-20 26 76 18,19,30-32 Boot Heel SE 24 75 6-8,18-20,28-31 25 75 31 Bosler 19 74 16,18-20,29,30 Cannonball Cut 21 74 30,31 21 75 1-11,14-16,18-26,28-36 22 74 18,19,30,31 22 75 13-28,30-36 Chalk Hills 26 76 6 26 77 1-4 27 76 6 27 77 1-4,9-12,16,21,22,27,28,33- 36 28 77 25-27,34-36 28 76 31 Cooper Lake North 19 74 6,7,18 ---PAGE BREAK--- 171 19 75 1-18 19 76 1,12 20 74 6,7,18 20 75 1-7,8-16,22-24,32-34 Quadrangle Name: Township Range Sections: Cooper Lake North 20 76 1,12 21 74 31 21 75 31-36 Cooper Lake South 18 75 28-30 19 74 18,19,30 19 75 13-31,33-36 19 76 24,25 Downey Lakes 13 75 3,4 Foote Creek Lake 21 77 1 22 77 24,25,36 Greasewood Knoll 23 76 1-6 23 77 1 24 75 6,7,30,31 24 76 1-22,25-36 24 77 1,12,13,24,25,36 25 76 19-22,25-36 25 75 30,31 Howell 16 73 6 17 73 31,32 James Lake 18 76 35,36 17 76 1,2,11,12,19,30 Lake Ione 19 73 6 19 74 1-4,6,7,9-12,16,18 20 73 18,19,30,31 20 74 4-15,18,22-28,33-36 21 74 31-34 Laramie SW 15 74 6-8,17,18 16 74 31-33 McGill Lakes 21 74 29-34 22 74 17-20,29-31 Millbrook 16 76 7,18 16 77 13 Miller 15 75 1,2,9-23 16 75 24-34 Pass Creek 28 76 31 ---PAGE BREAK--- 172 27 76 6 Pine Tree Ridge 22 75 6,7,18 22 76 1-4,7-9,12,13,15-18 23 75 6,7,19,30,31 23 76 1-26,28-36 23 77 1,12,13,24,25 Rock River 20 76 12 Quadrangle Name: Township Range Sections: Seven-mile Spring 22 74 6,7,18 22 75 1-18 23 74 18,19,30,31 23 75 6-9,13,16-21,23-36 Sodergreen Lake 13 75 3,4 14 75 22,23,26-28,33,34 Sybille Springs 20 73 19-21,28-32 Walker Draw SE 23 77 1-3 24 77 1-3,9-16,21-28,34-36 25 76 19,30,31 25 77 24-26,34-36 Wilcox 21 75 7,18,19,30,31 21 76 1,2,5,6,11-13,24,25,36 21 77 1 22 75 30 22 76 15-17,19-23,25-35 22 77 24,25,36 . If these deposits are disturbed, they could potentially destabilize. It is recommended that if the areas are disturbed that they be re-vegetated. ---PAGE BREAK--- 173 Figure 15.2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 174 WINDBLOWN ASSESSMENT INFORMATION FOR ESTIMATING POTENTIAL LOSSES There is not a well-documented history of problems associated with windblown deposits in Wyoming. If stabilizing vegetation has been stripped from the surface because of some form of development, previously stable dunes may mobilize and encroach on human development. There are accounts of such problems in the Casper area. Dunes have moved onto subdivision properties, temporarily closed roads, and impinged on homes. The problems were easily fixed, and no significant dollar losses have been associated with windblown deposits. FUTURE IMPACTS As development continues in Wyoming, more land is disturbed. Eventually, stabilized dunes will be disrupted, leading to nuisance problems with the windblown deposits. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: low POPULATION AFFECTED: low PROBABILITY: medium JURISDICTION AFFECTED: The jurisdictions of Laramie and Rock River as well as the communities of Bosler and Tie Siding. ---PAGE BREAK--- 175 CHAPTER XVI. SNOW AVALANCHES Wyoming is one of the top-ranking states for avalanche hazard because of its weather and mountainous terrain coupled with outdoor recreation. Skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobile operators are most commonly victims of avalanche hazards. However, motorists and others not engaging in recreation are also at risk of being caught in an avalanche. An avalanche is defined as a large mass of snow, ice, earth, rock, or other material in swift motion down a mountainside or over a precipice (Merriam-Webster). In the case of this evaluation, avalanche medium refers to snow. Avalanche fatalities provide the best indicator for locations of where events occur and what populations are most threatened. According to the U.S. Forest Service, Utah Avalanche Center, Wyoming ranks fifth among the eight states with the most avalanche fatalities. Wyoming comprised 8% of avalanche deaths in the U.S. from 1992 through 2007 (Figure 16.1). Figure 16.1 – Chart highlighting Wyoming as the fifth most at-risk U.S. state for fatalities from avalanches. Figure adapted from the USDA Forest Service, Utah Avalanche Center. Since 1913, there have been 61 fatalities from avalanches with the majority resulting from individuals partaking in mountain recreation, most predominantly backcountry skiers (Figure 16.2). Although deaths occur primarily in the backcountry, motorists, residents, and workers in high angle, avalanche-prone terrain must be aware of the danger; at least five individuals have perished this way. In Figure 16.3 it is apparent that the majority of fatalities occurred in western Wyoming, in particular the Teton area. This area presents an increased population of outdoor enthusiasts; an increased population engaging in extreme winter sports; and a more significant high angle, avalanche-prone character of terrain. ---PAGE BREAK--- 176 Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities by Activity (1913– 2007) Figure 16.2 – Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities by Activity. Graph from the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center. Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities By Activity (1913-2007) Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center 0 5 10 15 20 25 Misc. Worker Motorist Resident Ski Patrollers Lift Skiers (In Area) Backcountry Snowboarders Lift Skiers (Out of Area) Misc. Recreation Snowmobilers Backcountry Skiers Climbers ---PAGE BREAK--- 177 Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities by Area (1913-2007) Figure 16.3 – Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities by Location. Graph from the Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center. HISTORY Table 16.1 lists all fatal avalanche events from 1913 to 2008. Of the seven counties that have had avalanches resulting in death, Teton County has the most events in Wyoming. Albany County has had three avalanches with human fatalities. Avalanches occur in Albany County all the time in the Snowy Mountain range, but most are not reported because they do not impact people or property. There have been no avalanches in Albany County that have caused harm or damage to infrastructure since the 2003 update of the plan. Table 16.1–Wyoming Fatal Snow Avalanche Events (1913-2007) Date Name Age Location Activity/Travel 1913 Clarence Curtis Mail Trail, Teton Pass Mail Carrier 1914 Frankie Parsons Mail Trail, Teton Pass Mail Carrier 1914 Freighter Freight Trail, Teton Pass Freighter Horse Team 1/9/1916 Soldier 25 NW of Cleopatra Terrace, Yellowstone YNP Soldier 2/11/1932 Harry Swanson 17 Crater Lake, Teton Pass Woodcutter Foot 12/15/1945 Bob MacLeod 15 Crater Lake, Teton Pass In-Vehicle Skier 2/13/1949 Harold Ross 32 Horse Creek Ranch Rancher Horse Team 3/5/1956 John Stanley 57 Leeks Canyon, Snow King Mt Alpine Skier Out of Area 2/10/1962 Dr. Max Stock 34 Swift Creek, Salt River Range Snowshoer Wyoming Avalanche Fatalities By Area (1913-2007) Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 Teton Area Snow King Mtn Gros Ventre Range Togwotee Area Big Hole Range Salt River Range Yellowstone Snowy Range Sierra Madre Range Big Horn Range ---PAGE BREAK--- 178 Table 16.1–Wyoming Fatal Snow Avalanche Events (1913-2007) Date Name Age Location Activity/Travel 3/12/1964 Dick Pittman 30 Patroller, Snow King Mt Alpine Patroller 1/16/1974 Wes Krause 20 Glacier Gulch, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 1/16/1974 Bart Brodsky 18 Glacier Gulch, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 1/16/1974 David Silha 20 Glacier Gulch, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 1/19/1975 Rick Caller 24 Near Owen Creek, Big Horn Range Backcountry Skier 2/8/1975 Perry Despain 14 Near Centennial, WY Snow Player 1/12/1976 Phillip Gartland 26 Jackson Peak, Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Skier 1/12/1976 Jim Rierson 19 Jackson Peak, Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Skier 3/20/1976 Wayne Farrell 20 South Leigh Canyon, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 3/26/1977 Steve Karl 23 Near Ski Cabin, Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Skier 4/26/1979 Tim Drew 24 Grand Teton, Teton Range Climber 4/26/1979 Jerry Lucas 22 Grand Teton, Teton Range Climber 2/16/1984 Pierre Muheim 27 Ferrin’s Slide, Snow King Mt Alpine Skier Out of Area 2/3/1985 Bruce Melliger 29 Mt Wister, Teton Range Climber 2/9/1985 Dennis Jeperson Rock Creek Knoll, Snowy Range Snowmobiler 12/2/1985 Paul Driscoll 48 Rendezvous Mountain, Teton Range Alpine Patroller 2/17/1986 Tom Raymer 37 Rendezvous Mountain, Teton Range Alpine Patroller 2/22/1992 Gregory Felzien 26 Mount Norris, Yellowstone NP Snowshoer 2/28/1992 Dan Schwendiman 21 Dry Ridge, Teton Range Snowmobiler 12/28/1992 Richard Saenoff 41 Simpson Peak, Togwotee Pass Backcountry Skier 2/25/1994 Rick Clayton 37 Poison Creek, Salt River Range Snowmobiler 4/19/1995 Kevin Marriot 22 Taylor Mountain, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 1/15/1996 Ginger Shaw 38 Bradley Mountain, Near Alpine Helicopter Skier 1/21/1996 Christopher Garber Centennial Ridge, Snowy Range Backcountry Skier 2/10/1996 Chris McGee 29 Strawberry Creek, Salt River Range Snowmobiler 3/3/1997 Rick Hutchinson 49 Factory Hill, Yellowstone Backcountry Skier 3/3/1997 Diane Dustman 37 Factory Hill, Yellowstone Backcountry Skier 1/11/1998 Benjamin Romios 21 Battle Lake, Sierra Madre Range Snowmobiler 1/4/1999 Dave Reyberg 35 Dry Lake Creek, Togwotee Pass Snowmobiler 1/19/1999 Michael Langer 17 Rendezvous Mountain, Teton Range Alpine Skier 11/27/2000 Marl Nielson 41 Hoodoo Creek, Absaroka Range Hunter 12/1/2000 Joel Roof 28 Glory Bowl, Teton Range Snowboarder 12/9/2000 Jonathan Beall 29 Titmouse Ridge, Teton Pass Backcountry Skier 12/25/2000 Sara Campbell 26 South Badger Creek, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 2/6/2001 Ralph Toscano Jr. 43 Rock Springs, Teton Range Alpine Skier Out of Area 2/23/2001 Allen Wagner 24 Granite Canyon, Teton Range Alpine Skier Out of Area 3/3/2001 Jay Almos Leigh Bowl, Salt River Range Snowmobiler 3/12/2002 Chance Schiess 16 Grove Creek, Big Hole Range, ID Snowmobiler 3/21/2002 Mike Dollarhide 32 Jackson Peak, Gros Ventre Range Backcountry Skier 12/26/2002 Snowmobiler West Side of the Snowy Range Snowmobiler 1/4/2003 Tristan Picot 19 Near Ski Lake, Teton Range Snowboarder 1/5/2003 Joshua Roy Richins 16 Balls Mountain, Salt River Range Snowmobiler 1/25/2003 Marshall Heverly 44 Kettle Creek, Togwotee Pass Snowmobiler 1/27/2003 Pavel Wolf 27 Avalanche Bowl, Teton Pass Snowboarder 2/10/2003 Steve Haas 41 Hourglass Couloir, Teton Range Skier Permanently ---PAGE BREAK--- 179 Table 16.1–Wyoming Fatal Snow Avalanche Events (1913-2007) Date Name Age Location Activity/Travel Area 2/24/2003 Mark Loveland 41 Smiths Fork, Salt River Range Snowmobiler 1/31/2004 Ray Azar 48 Peak 9670, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 12/27/2005 Jesse Humphries 21 Split Rock, Togwotee Pass Snowmobiler 1/5/2006 Laurel Dana 43 Mt. Taylor, Teton Range Backcountry Skier 12/16/2006 Daniel Boschae 30 Stewart Peak Snowmobiler 1/5/2007 Justin Kautz 25 Rock Springs, Teton Range Alpine Skier Out of Area 2/17/2007 Nicolas Steinman 26 Palisades Peak, Snake River Range Snowmobiler 3/10/2007 Paul Maniuci 24 Darby Canyon, Teton Range Backcountry Skier Reference: Bridger Teton National Forest Avalanche Center IMPACTS Avalanches cause two primary hazards—road blocks and death. Since 1994 there has been a trend of at least one fatality per year in Wyoming. Fatalities are the best- documented impact related to avalanches and are significant simply because of the nature of the hazard. Furthermore, there are costs associated with search and rescue and removal of the deceased. Road blocks are another major concern when roads intersect an avalanche path. The major costs associated with road blocks are snow removal and traffic diversion, which both necessitate personnel and equipment. Another less frequent issue is the costs associated with rescuing motorists if they were involved in the avalanche. FUTURE IMPACTS Given the popularity of winter recreational activities in Albany County it is likely that avalanches will continue to pose a threat for backcountry travelers. Albany County encourages its citizens to be prepared when going out in the backcountry and to have an avalanche beaker and knowledge of avalanche safety. SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Low POPULATION AFFECTED: Low PROBABILTIY: High JURISDICTION AFFECTED: Unincorporated areas of Albany County such as the Snowy Mountain Range. ---PAGE BREAK--- 180 CHAPTER XVII. TORNADOES Wyoming, lying just west of “tornado alley,” is fortunate to experience fewer intense tornadoes than its neighboring states to the east. However, tornadoes remain a significant hazard in the state. Tornadoes are the most intense storm on earth, having been recorded at velocities exceeding 315 miles per hour (mph). The phenomena results in a destructive rotating column of air ranging in diameter from a few yards to greater than a mile, usually associated with a downward extension of cumulonimbus cloud. Tornadoes are classified by their intensity using the Fujita Scale, with F0 being the least intense and F6 being the most intense. (Table 17.1) According to the Wyoming Climate Atlas, Wyoming ranks 25th in the number of annual tornadoes (10), 33rd in fatalities (six deaths per one million people), 36th in property damage ($49,339,505) (figure from WSGS), and 37th in injuries, in the U.S. from 1950 to 1994 (excerpted from the Wyoming Climate Atlas). Tornado statistics, especially prior to the 1970s, must be viewed as incomplete since many twisters must have occurred without being witnessed. Wyoming’s open rangelands experience little, if any, damage from these storms so many go unreported. In the 1990s, the Internet and Doppler radar increased the public’s awareness of tornadoes with the potential of more being observed and reported. However, the trend in annual tornadoes has decreased by one-third since 1976 and appears to have coincided with a major hemispheric weather pattern shift, despite the increased reporting based on Doppler radar vortex (circulation) signatures (excerpted from the Wyoming Climate Atlas). HISTORY Table 17.2 presents damages from tornadoes rated by county from 1907 through 2006. Table 17.3 shows estimated dollar damage by year for the same time period in both dollar amounts for the year of event and for the equivalent in 2006. By a large margin, 1979 was the worst year with a total damage estimate of $42.8 million ($118.9 million in 2006 USD), with the influential factor being the Cheyenne-area tornado on July 16. The second worst year was 2005 with a total estimated damage of $5.0 million ($5.1 million Table 17.1 – Fujita Scale of Tornado Intensity Fujita Scale Wind Speed Damage F0 40-72 Light F1 73-112 Moderate F2 113-157 Considerable F3 158-206 Severe F4 207-260 Devastating F5 261-318 Incredible F6 319-379 Inconceivable ---PAGE BREAK--- 181 in 2006 USD). This is a significant difference of $37.8 million ($113.8 million in 2006 USD). The amount of damage in 1979 is unlikely, but nevertheless is possible and should be considered in a mitigation plan. Moreover, the 1979 tornado damage was all concentrated on property, rather than crops. Property versus crop damage should be considered because, in most instances, property is more critical to restore and time sensitive than crops due to the public service and protective nature of property. Furthermore, public disturbance is affected with property damage, while public disturbance with crop damage is marginal and confined usually to the private owner of the crops. However, long-term effects of crop damage have potential to affect the public, but is not as time sensitive as property damage. In a database composed of information derived from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Climactic Data Center (NCDC), the Wyoming Climate Atlas, and the WOHS, there are 523 recorded tornado events from 1907 to 2006 (Table 17.2). The number does not include events classified only as funnels. Of the 523 events, 186 tornadoes have been identified as damaging (Table 17.4). Damage is defined as those events that resulted in loss of property or life, and any events of F2 or greater. Annual tornado statistics show a wide degree of variation across the state. For example, 42 tornadoes were counted in 1979 while no tornadoes were reported in 1951 and 1970 (Figure 17.1). With respect to counties, of the 523 recorded tornadoes (1907-2006), Laramie County had the most with eighty-two. Southeast Wyoming is closest to “tornado alley” and explains these high numbers (Figure 17.2). The average length of a tornado in Wyoming is 3.05 miles with an average width of 79 yards. On average there are six tornado days per year. (Excerpted from the Wyoming Climate Atlas). ---PAGE BREAK--- 182 Figure 17.1 – Annual Wyoming Tornado Count with Long-term Trend Line (dashed). Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas ---PAGE BREAK--- 183 Table 17.2 – Wyoming Damaging Tornado Data Totals By County For 1907 Through 2006. County Events Deaths Injuries Property Damage (Year of Event USD) Crop Damage (Year of Event USD) Total Damage (Year of Event USD) Total Damage (2006 USD) Albany 21 0 2 77,500 - 77,500 142,607 Big Horn 23 2 2 329,500 2,750 332,250 1,098,856 Campbell 71 2 23 8,732,500 5,275 8,737,775 14,004,531 Carbon 16 0 0 27,500 277,750 305,250 1,172,445 Converse 37 0 12 185,800 2,750 188,550 1,152,910 Crook 30 0 0 648,525 308,000 956,525 4,263,503 Fremont 15 0 3 490,500 275 490,775 1,536,354 Goshen 51.3 0 26 3,023,775 27,500 3,051,275 8,876,753 Hot Springs 2 0 0 27,500 - 27,500 52,286 Johnson 13.5 0 0 11,050 - 11,050 27,191 Laramie 82.3 1 41 40,177,775 52,750 40,230,525 112,803,334 Lincoln 6 0 4 27,500 - 27,500 68,291 Natrona 31 0 9 390,500 - 390,500 1,016,471 Niobrara 31 0 6 854,750 100,275 955,025 2,162,451 Park 7 0 3 85,250 275,275 360,525 739,167 Platte 32.3 2 4 641,500 32,500 674,000 2,680,231 Sheridan 11.5 1 0 41,250 2,750 44,000 301,001 Sublette 2 0 0 - - - - Sweetwater 16 0 0 55,000 - 55,000 303,164 Teton 1 0 0 500,000 - 500,000 888,100 Uinta 2 0 0 5,500 - 5,500 23,125 Washakie 6 0 0 30,250 - 30,250 191,298 Weston 15 0 2 130,250 - 130,250 409,153 153,913,222 Total 523 6 123 56,493,675 1,087,850 57,581,525 PRESIDENTIAL DECLARATION There has been one Presidential Disaster Declaration related to tornadoes in Wyoming. FEMA DR-WY-1599 was associated with the August 12, 2005, tornado in Wright, Wyoming located in Campbell County. ---PAGE BREAK--- 184 Table 17.3 – Wyoming Damaging Tornado Estimated Damage (USD) by Year (1907 – 2006) Year Property Damage Crop Damage Total Damage (year or event USD) Total Damage (2006 USD) 1907 - - - - 1920 - - - - 1923 4,000 - 4,000 47,058 1938 5,000 5,000 71,429 1942 1,500 5,000 6,500 76,659 1944 2,600 2,600 29,884 1948 110,000 100,000 210,000 1,750,002 1950 - - - - 1953 56,500 5,000 61,500 465,909 1955 210,000 210,000 1,578,947 1959 38,000 27,500 65,500 454,861 1960 50,250 - 50,250 341,837 1961 55,275 - 55,275 373,479 1962 96,250 33,275 129,525 863,500 1963 30,250 - 30,250 199,013 1964 137,500 - 137,500 892,857 1965 55,275 275,000 330,275 2,117,147 1966 302,500 - 302,500 1,878 ,881 1967 57,750 3,025 60,775 366,114 1968 63,525 - 63,525 367,196 1969 - 27,500 27,500 151,099 1971 11,000 - 11,000 54,726 1973 27,500 - 27,500 125,000 1974 90,750 - 90,750 370,408 1975 527,500 - 527,500 1,975 ,655 1976 338,250 275,000 613,250 2,174 ,645 1977 - 2,750 2,750 8,136 1978 957,500 3,300 960,800 2,974,613 1979 42,835,250 - 42,835,250 118,986,805 1980 302,500 - 302,500 739,609 1982 335,250 2,750 338,000 705,637 1984 240,250 2,750 243,000 471,845 1985 35,750 - 35,750 66,948 1986 257,750 - 257,750 473,805 1987 802,500 - 802,500 1,425,400 1988 2,752,750 - 2,752,750 4,689 ,523 1989 30,250 - 30,250 49,817 1990 8,250 - 8,250 12,731 1991 402,500 325,000 727,500 1,076,183 1993 100,000 - 100,000 139,470 1994 - - - - 1996 130,000 - 130,000 167,095 1997 2,000 - 2,000 2,512 1998 20,000 - 20,000 24,722 1999 10,000 - 10,000 12,106 2001 - - - - 2003 - - - - 2005 5,000,000 - 5,000,000 5,159,959 Total 56,493,675 1,087,850 57,581,525 153,913,222 ---PAGE BREAK--- 185 Figure 17.2—Tornadoes documented in Wyoming from 1950 through 1995, according to damage on the F-Scale. ---PAGE BREAK--- 186 June has nearly twice the number of tornadoes compared to May and July. The period of November through March has no reported tornadoes (Figure 17.3). With the heating of the day, tornadoes peak in occurrence between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. MST. Tornadoes occurring at night are rare, although more probably occur but go unseen (Figure 17.4). Figure 17.3 – Wyoming Tornado Statistics (1950-2003). Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas Figure 17.4 – Wyoming Tornado Frequency by Hour (1950-2003). ---PAGE BREAK--- 187 Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas The weakest intensity (F0) winds (40 to 72 mph) occurs more than half the time producing minimal damage (Figure 17.5). Significant tornadoes are considered to be F2 intensity winds, between 113 and 157 mph or stronger, or if a weaker tornado kills a person. Significant tornadoes occur in about four out of 100 tornadoes in Wyoming (excerpted from the Wyoming Climate Atlas). Figure 17.5 – Frequency of Tornadoes by Intensity (1950-2003). Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas The strongest tornado in Wyoming was an F4 with winds between 207 and 260 mph, which occurred on July 21, 1987, in Teton County and resulted in $500,000 ($888,100 2006 USD) in damages: ---PAGE BREAK--- 188 Date County Location Damage Information 7/31/1960 Albany 38 Miles W of Laramie Small tornado 5/5/1979 Albany Laramie 27,500 A small tornado touched down in Laramie destroying a roof on the Regency Apartments. 14 vehicles damaged as pieces of roof hit parking lot area. 5/23/1996 Albany 3N to 3.2 N. of Laramie 50,000 A tornado briefly touched down just north of Laramie. The tornado downed a large spruce tree and a metal shed was blown up into a tree. 5/22/2008 Albany Vedauwoo and Laramie A tornado came up from Colorado and hit up at Vedauwoo and came down the hill and went across the east and north ends of Laramie causing substantial damage to residential neighborhoods and the local golf course. The tornado caused one injury. Table 17.4 History of Tornadoes in Albany County ---PAGE BREAK--- 189 IMPACTS Although counties have been affected by varying of tornado intensity, frequency, and damage, they nevertheless have struck every county in Wyoming, thus proving to be a considerable danger. Historically, the most devastating tornado event in Wyoming was July 16, 1979 when the Cheyenne area received an estimated $111,100,000 worth of damage (2006 dollars). This is significant because Laramie County, the location of the state’s capitol city, has Wyoming’s greatest population and is also the most likely to have the highest frequency and intensity of tornadoes. However, tornado frequency and dollar damage are not necessarily directly related as they are with some counties, including Laramie and Campbell Counties (compare Tables 17.5, Tables 17.6 and 17.7). Teton County, for example, only had one tornado event, but suffered approximately $888,100 in total damage (2006 dollars). In contrast, Sheridan and Johnson counties each experienced more than 10 tornadoes, yet only suffered an estimated $301,001 and $27,191 in total damage, respectively (2006 dollars). Figure 17.6 is a graphical representation of the number of damaging tornadoes, the number of deaths and injuries, and the amount of damage in 2006 dollars by county. FUTURE IMPACTS Historical data demonstrates the most critical area of the state for tornado hazard is the eastern one third, with the five most threatened areas being Laramie, Campbell, Goshen, Converse, and Platte Counties. The five least threatened areas include Teton, Uinta, Sublette, Hot Springs, and Washakie Counties (Table 17.5). Laramie, Campbell, Goshen, Crook, and Platte Counties are the five counties having received the most damage, while Sublette, Uinta, Johnson, Hot Springs, and Lincoln Counties have sustained the least damage. Interestingly, when the damage values from the year of the event are converted to 2006 values, Carbon County (which originally seemed to have less damage than Big Horn, Park and Natrona Counties) actually had more damage in current dollars. There are also other noticeable changes in the order of counties when the damages are converted to 2006 dollars (compare Tables 17.6 and 17.7). Table 17.5- Tornado Events By County (1907 through 2006). County Number of Events Laramie 82.3 (crossed 3 counties) Campbell 71 Goshen 51.3 (crossed 3 counties) Converse 37 Platte 32.3 (crossed 3 counties) Natrona 31 Niobrara 31 Crook 30 Big Horn 23 Albany 21 Carbon 16 Sweetwater 16 Fremont 15 Weston 15 Johnson 13.5 (crossed 2 counties) Sheridan 11.5 (crossed 2 counties) Park 7 Lincoln 6 Washakie 6 Hot Springs 2 Sublette 2 Uinta 2 Teton 1 TOTAL 523 ---PAGE BREAK--- 190 Using the figures from Tables 17.6 and 17.7 as a predictor of the future, Laramie, Goshen, and Campbell Counties should be viewed as most critical, and Johnson, Uinta, and Sublette Counties are the least threatened. The July 1979 tornado in the Cheyenne area, resulting in over $111 million worth of damage in 2006 dollars, should be considered a worst-case scenario. The data suggest that Cheyenne’s size and location places it at the highest risk for economic damage from tornado hazards. Table 17.6—Tornado Damage by County in 2006 USD (1907 through 2006). County Damage Laramie 112,803,334 Campbell 14,004,531 Goshen 8,876,753 Crook 4,263,503 Platte 2,680,231 Niobrara 2,162,451 Fremont 1,536,354 Carbon 1,172,445 Converse 1,152,910 Big Horn 1,098,856 Natrona 1,016,471 Teton 888,100 Park 739,167 Weston 409,153 Sweetwater 303,164 Sheridan 301,001 Washakie 191,298 Albany 142,607 Lincoln 68,291 Hot Springs 52,286 Johnson 27,191 Uinta 23,125 Sublette 0 TOTAL $153,913,222 Table 17.7—Tornado Damage by County In Year-of-Event USD (1907 through 2006). County Damage Laramie 40,230,525 Campbell 8,737,775 Goshen 3,051,275 Crook 956,525 Niobrara 955,025 Platte 674,000 Teton 500,000 Fremont 490,775 Natrona 390,500 Park 360,525 Big Horn 332,250 Carbon 305,250 Converse 188,550 Weston 130,250 Albany 77,500 Sweetwater 55,000 Sheridan 44,000 Washakie 30,250 Lincoln 27,500 Hot Springs 27,500 Johnson 11,050 Uinta 5,500 Sublette 0 TOTAL $57,581,525 ---PAGE BREAK--- 191 ---PAGE BREAK--- 192 The only recent tornadoes causing loss of life occurred in Big Horn County on June 26, 1959, in Cheyenne on July 16, 1979, and in Wright on August 12, 2005. One life was lost in the Big Horn County Cheyenne events, and two lives were lost in the Wright event. The Cheyenne event also resulted in 40 injuries, caused an estimated $111 million in damage in 2006 dollars, and is considered the state’s worst tornado. In Figure 17.7, tornado occurrence by county is shown from 1950 to 2003. The three highest counts occurred in Laramie, Campbell, and Goshen Counties. For average annual damage costs based on 1999 dollars from 1950 to 1999 see Figure 17.8. Figure 17.7—Wyoming Tornadoes by County (1950-2003). Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas. ---PAGE BREAK--- 193 Figure 17.8– Wyoming Tornado Damage (1955 – 1999). Graph from Wyoming Climate Atlas. Figure 17.9 Tornado that touched down in Laramie, Wyoming on May 22, 2008 SUMMARY PROPERTY AFFECTED: Medium POPULATION AFFECTED: Medium PROBABILTIY: Medium JURISDICTIONS AFFECTED: Both Laramie and Rock River as well as outlying communities in the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 194 CHAPTER XVIII. GOALS AND MITIGATION ACTIONS The plan goals were developed following the completion of the hazard analysis and the public meetings that were held across the county from the beginning stages in 2001 up until 2009. There is at least one goal for each of the identified hazards, all of the hazards that ranked higher priorities by the participants of the process have at least one or more mitigation actions and many of the mitigation actions will prove beneficial across the county. The mitigation actions or projects were determined during the public meetings, LEPC meetings, and various presentations of the material to public officials, city, and county Staff. The suggestions, actions and plans were compiled and used to create the list of goals and mitigation actions. Participants ranged from formalized LEPC members to citizens that attended the public meetings to review the plan. Each goal statement below is followed by a table giving information about the specific mitigation actions or projects. The actions vary in cost and in priority and were assigned within three ranges. Low Cost Projects: from $0 to $5,000 Medium Cost Projects: from $5,001 to $25,000 High Cost Projects: $25,001 and over Low Priority Projects: Projects that is associated with low or infrequent hazard probability and least likely to prevent loss of life. Medium Priority Projects: Projects associated with a less probable hazard with potential to save lives or damage to property. High Priority Projects: Projects identified in response to one or more of the highest probability hazards combined with the ability to save lives. The older goals from the 2003 plan were either completed and listed as such or put into the new goal matrix to be included in prioritizing actions. Albany County looked at all forms of mitigation actions such as prevention, preparation, property protection, education and awareness, natural resource protection, structural, and coordination. The following projects were selected by the LEPC, private citizens who attended the planning meetings and city and county departments. PROJECT SELECTION AND IMPLEMENTATION Some of the projects identified in the following section have already been planned for and implemented into current planning and procedures. A cost benefit analysis was conducted for each project under consideration, regardless of whether federal funding is requested. At the completion of the plan each goal was ranked depending on the cost ---PAGE BREAK--- 195 benefit analysis for each hazard section. The analysis can reaffirm that funds and resources spent on any particular project will be effective in reducing potential for loss of life, injury, or property loss, or damage. Rankings based off of this cost/ benefit analysis is included in the tables for each hazard. The implementation schedule will depend on availability of resources. The general time frame for project initiation are 1-3 years for the high priority projects, 3-5 years for medium priority projects and 5 years or longer for the projects that are considered low priority. The LEPC viewed all potential projects and categorized them based on the criteria listed above. These projects are listed below in relation to which disaster they hope to mitigate. REVISION PROCEDURES The current revision of the Hazard Mitigation Plan was a new experience for the County. Procedures were created as the process was carried out. It will be the job of the Emergency Management office to take on revisions in the future. Albany County tried to model the work of other counties in including more information than was found in the original plan. Albany County will try to include all organizations and members of the community in participating in future updates and revisions. With the guidelines provided by the state, the county will comply with all required revisions and updates. ---PAGE BREAK--- 196 1. Improve Notification of individuals prior to threats of all types (The projects under this goal are most likely to prevent injury or loss of life rather than reduce vulnerability of existing or future structures and infrastructure.) Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible Parties Funding Source Cost and Benefit Identify a point of contact for information dissemination during a disaster Preparation, Education and Awareness High Low County Emergency Management, City of Laramie and City of Rock River EMA Budget #3 Replace existing siren system with a more functional system with better coverage. Preparation, Education and Awareness High High County Emergency Management, City of Laramie and City of Rock River Grant avenues, such as HSGP #1 Install a siren system for Garrett Wyoming Preparation, Education and Awareness Medium High Albany County EMA Grant avenues, such as HSGP #2 Continue to implement CodeRED into Community Preparation, Education and Awareness High Low Albany County EMA, Fire and Police throughout County EMA and City Budget #4 ---PAGE BREAK--- 197 2. Be prepared to respond effectively to severe winter storms and blizzards. (The projects under this goal are most likely to prevent injury or loss of life rather than reduce vulnerability to existing or future structure and infrastructure.) The winter storms mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss in severe winter storm events. Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible Parties Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Clearly identify parking areas for trucks during times of I-80 closure also for hazmat trucks Preparation High Medium Streets Dept, Police, EMA and WYDOT City and County budgets #3 Obtain supplies for sheltering Preparation Medium Low EMA EMA budget and CERT grant #4 Identify shelter locations for all types of disasters, educate citizens Preparation and Public Education and Awareness High Low EMA EMA and Red Cross #1 Prepare backup power for communication systems. Preparation and prevention Medium Medium EMA, City and County officials HSGP grant #2 Building codes for snow loads Preparation and prevention Low Low County Planning and Zoning County and City Planning #5 2003 WINTER STORMS AND BLIZZARDS GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The goal of using warning systems to announce on public communication system in the event of an impending winter storm has been met by the new CodeRED system. ---PAGE BREAK--- 198 CodeRED allows the county to send out information to the public about events such as winter storms and blizzards. The goal of creating a care plans for special needs population in case of severe storm was begun with the UTSE program (Unable to Self Evacuate). CERT partnered up with the local Boy Scouts to create kits for those unable to evacuate. These kits included food, water, blankets, flashlight etc… The county has also worked towards creating a special needs database for CodeRED. The goal of creating public service announcements to promote winter preparedness has been used since 2004. EMA places notifications and educational material on channel 11 and also works with the local radio stations to broadcast information to the public. ---PAGE BREAK--- 199 3. Reduce the vulnerability for injury and loss of life from a Hazardous Material Incident. (The projects under this goal will protect life, existing buildings, and future buildings.) The Hazardous materials mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from hazardous materials events. Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible Parties Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Develop a Hazmat Response and evacuation plan Preparation and Public Awareness and Education High Medium Laramie Fire Department, EMA, County Fire Warden EMA and EMPG grant #1 Better education to the public on hazardous materials in County. Public Awareness and Education Low Low EMA, Police and Fire EMA #4 City, County involvement with UW labs and other private businesses Preparation Prevention and Coordination High Low EMA, Fire, Police, UW EMA, Fire, Police and UW #3 Warning System Prevention and Coordination as well as public education High High Albany County EMA Grant avenues such as HSGP #2 2003 HAZMAT GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The 2003 goal of developing and implanting a more accurate addressing system for residents outside the municipalities, to provide for efficient emergency response has been completed thanks to the County GIS and Planning team. They were able to address the road naming system and fix areas of concern within the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 200 Continued training for responders to hazmat calls. The Laramie Fire Department and other volunteer organizations and the RRT have increased their abilities to respond to hazmat incidents through extensive training and drills. Although this goal has been met, efforts for continued training will be an ongoing event in the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 201 4. Minimize the potential for loss or damage from catastrophic wildland fire and other types of fires. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect existing buildings and infrastructure; they will also protect future buildings and lessen the chance of loss of life.) The wildland fire mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from wildland fire events. Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible Partners Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Type 3 wildland engine with firefighting gel pump and 50 5 gallon buckets of gel Natural Resource Protection and property protection Medium High County Fire Warden, Fire Departments SLIB grant #5 Fire wise programs with public and enforce these restrictions. Prevention, and education & Awareness High Low County Fire Warden, Fire Departments, EMA Fire wise education programs. #1 Cache of sprinklers for protecting buildings Natural Resource Protection and Property Protection Medium High County Fire Warden, Fire Departments AFG grant #4 Continue to work on and update the evacuation plans Natural Resource protection and property and life protection High Low Fire Warden and EMA EMA and HSGP grant #2 Conduct a pine beetle exercise that includes Natural Resource protection and Medium Medium Fire Warden, County Fire Departments, Sheriff Training and exercise funds #3 ---PAGE BREAK--- 202 evacuation measures property and life protection Department and EMA 2003 WILDLAND FIRE GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The goal of developing and implanting a more accurate addressing system for residents, outside the municipalities has been completed thanks to the Albany County GIS and Planning team. The goal of developing effective suppression deployment resources has been completed by the creation of evacuation plans for the County. These evacuation plans are continually being updated and planning continues throughout the county. ---PAGE BREAK--- 203 5. Reduce vulnerability to river flooding. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The flood mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from flood events. Projects Type Ranking Cost Responsible Parties Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Complete Floodplain study for South Laramie and establish base flood elevations Prevention, Property Protection and Natural Resource Protection Medium High FEMA, Emergency Management Grant avenues #1 Implement West and North Laramie Drainage studies into plans of action Structural project, Property and Protection Medium High EMA, City and County Grant avenues #2 Create a critical facilities matrix/plan for county Prevention, property and Natural Resource Protection Medium Medium EMA, City and County Grant Avenues #3 2003 FLOODING GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The goal of better emergency warning systems is underway with attempting to get a grant to fund the replacement of out of date sirens in the County. The CodeRED program also allows us use to send out warnings and information to the public. ---PAGE BREAK--- 204 6. Develop back-up systems for loss of power and/or communications during a disaster. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect human life.) Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible parties Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Work with local phone service providers as appropriate to address communication gaps Prevention, Structural Projects and Coordination High Low Emergency Management and Phone Companies EMA #2 Develop back- up communications system for Laramie and Rock River during power outages Prevention and Structural Project High Medium Mayor, Local Utility, LARC and Emergency Management HSGP grant and other grant avenues #1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 205 7. Minimize potential for injury and loss of life from lightning and wind events. (The projects under this goal will help prevent injury and loss of life.) Project Type Ranking Cost Responsible parties Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Identify and designate shelter sites throughout county Education and Awareness High Low Emergency Management EMA and Red Cross budgets #1 Work with Local utilities on lightning education for kids Education and Awareness Medium Low Emergency Management EMA #3 Work with local paper and radio stations to add info on lightning Educational Awareness Medium Low Emergency Management EMA #2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 206 8. Establish a highly functioning and effective Emergency Management Program in Albany County. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect human life, but may also reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) Project Type Rankin g Cost Responsible Party Funding Sources Cost and Benefi t Revise/develo p the County/town EOP Prevention and Coordination High Mediu m Emergency Managemen t EMA and EMPG grant #1 Continue to work with NWS to offer weather spotter training sessions Education and awareness Medium Low Emergency Managemen t EMA #3 Educate citizens on being prepared for disasters of all types Education and Awareness High Low Emergency Managemen t EMA #4 Inventory and map siren locations and condition across county. Coordination Low Low Emergency Managemen t EMA #2 Studies on current infrastructures in County Prevention and Coordination of infrastructure s Low Low City and County Planning as well as Engineers Grant Revenue s #5 ---PAGE BREAK--- 207 9. Minimize potential property damage caused by hail. (The projects under this goal will reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Start educating the public about reporting hail and how to keep safe. Education and Awareness Low Low EMA EMA #1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 208 10. Minimize potential property damage caused by droughts. (The projects under this goal will reduce the risk of property loss and damage to crops in the event of a drought.) PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Sources Cost and Benefit Create water conservation plans for County Prevention and coordination Medium Low County and City Public Works and Utilities County Planning #1 Create an agricultural business plan for protecting lands and crops Prevention and coordination Low Low EMA, livestock board and local agricultural businesses. County and EMA #2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 209 11. Minimize potential property damage caused by earthquakes. (The projects under this goal will reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The earthquake mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from earthquake events. PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Update HAZUS research for County Prevention and public awareness Medium Low EMA EMA/State #1 Building inspections to check for possible weaknesses and enforce building codes Prevention and Public Awareness Low Medium Code enforcement and Fire Prevention Albany County Planning and Zoning through grants #3 Public awareness of Earthquakes Prevention and Public Awareness Low Low EMA EMA #2 2003 EARTHQUAKE GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The goal of alerting the community in case of an earthquake has been met through the usage of CodeRED. The county is now able to send out a reverse 911 message to alert the community in case of a disaster or threat. ---PAGE BREAK--- 210 12. Minimize potential property damage caused by dam failures. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect human life, but may also reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Update the plan for Rob Roy Dam Prevention and coordination Medium Low EMA, Cheyenne Board of Utilities, Forest Service EMA #1 Inspections for private dams Prevention and coordination Low Medium Undetermined Grants #2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 211 13. Minimize potential property damage caused by landslides. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect human life, but may also reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The landslide mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from landslide events. PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Further analysis of landslide boundaries Prevention and structural project Low Low Geological survey team and EMA Grants #3 Install County Road protection measures and signage along with public awareness Prevention and public awareness Low Low County Planning and EMA County Planning and Zoning #1 Enact regulations on where homes can be built due to landslide prone areas Prevention and Coordination Low Low County Planning and Zoning County Planning and Zoning #2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 212 14. Minimize potential property damage caused by mine substinence. (The projects under this goal will primarily protect human life, but may also reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The mined out areas mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations an residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and pre vent loss from mined out area events. PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Create sight specific plans for mines of concern in the jurisdiction of Rock River Prevention and coordination Low Low City of Rock River, EMA Grants and city of Rock River #1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 213 15. Minimize potential property damage caused by windblown deposits. (The projects under this goal will reduce the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The windblown mitigation actions items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from windblown events. PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Stabilize vegetation on identified areas Prevention Low Medium Landowner Grants #3 Public awareness of windblown mitigation activities Prevention and public awareness Low Low EMA EMA #1 Restrict building in mined out areas Prevention and structural Low Low Albany County Planning and Zoning County Planning and Zoning #2 ---PAGE BREAK--- 214 16. Minimize potential life and property damage caused by snow avalanches. (The projects under this goal will primarily reduce the loss of human life but will also address the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Public Awareness and education Public Awareness Low Low EMA, Forest Service and Search and Rescue EMA #1 ---PAGE BREAK--- 215 17. Minimize potential life and property damage caused by tornadoes. (The projects under this goal will primarily reduce the loss of human life but will also address the risk of property loss and damage to both existing and future buildings and infrastructure.) The tornado mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations and residents in Albany County can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from tornadoes. PROJECT TYPE RANKING COST RESPONSIBLE PARTY Funding Resources Cost and Benefit Ensure evacuation shelters are equipped and safe for tornadoes Prevention, Public Safety Medium Low EMA, Red Cross EMA and Red Cross budgets as well as CERT grant #2 Work on replacing siren system in county. Prevention, Coordination and public awareness High High EMA, LARC Grant Avenues #1 2003 TORNADO GOALS THAT HAVE BEEN MET The goal of better emergency warnings has partially been met thanks to the Reverse 911 system called CodeRED. The goal of increasing public awareness has been in the process since 2004 when Albany County launched an educational program. The county also holds a Weather Spotter class every spring in partnership with the National Weather Service. ---PAGE BREAK--- 216 WORK DONE IN ALBANY COUNTY Albany County Road Closure Plan- Finalized by November 2001. Indian Hills Dike- Prevention of flooding in Indian Hills area/ Alta Vista. Spring Creek Channel – Attempt to lower flooding in tree area. Siren checks/ CodeRED warning system installed in 2008 Exercise Design Team and Exercise Drills. Aquifer Protection- Plan and implementing regulations adopted by city and county 2002-2003. Red Cross- Shelter planning, agreements, assessment. Volunteer- Training’s Mobilization- Equipment training. ARES- Establish and continue training of active chapter. Create more county volunteer fire departments. Special Populations – Y2K, exercises, raise public awareness. Unable to self evacuate database in progress for CodeRED Bioterrorism Drill- Small Pox drills in Albany County. SNS distribution of antiviral exercise Union Pacific Evacuation Drill. ---PAGE BREAK--- 217 APPENDIX D. WILDLAND EVACUATION PLANS Evacuation Preplan for Bear Creek Bee Hive June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 218 Bear Creek, Bee Hive Evacuation Plan If a fire is near these developments use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 219 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) FS Road 520 will be primary evacuation route to Highway 230. 6) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 7) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 8) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 9) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Special Considerations: Gravel pit will work as Safety Zone Somber Hill might be used for a lookout point. Gramm and Chimney Park may need consideration also. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. Miller Lake camp ground ---PAGE BREAK--- 220 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 221 ---PAGE BREAK--- 222 Evacuation Preplan for Foxborough Valhalla Pronghorn June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 223 Foxborough, Valhalla and Pronghorn Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 224 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - FOXPARK WORK CENTER 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) All fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) FS Road 512 will be primary evacuation route to Highway 230. 6) Alternate routes will be FS Road 512s to FSR 512 or FS Road 512 to the west then to Albany. 7) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 8) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 9) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 10) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Fox Park Work Center USFS ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Centennial School Special Considerations: Meadow to South East may work as Safety Zone USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. ---PAGE BREAK--- 225 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location BLUE - Secondary Evacuation Route ---PAGE BREAK--- 226 ---PAGE BREAK--- 227 Evacuation Preplan for Foxpark Miller Lake June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 228 Foxpark, Miller Lake Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 229 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) All fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) FS Road 512 will be primary evacuation route to Highway 230. 6) For Miller Lake FS Road 530D to FS 530 to FS 512 7) Alternate routes will be FS Road 512 to FSR 517 and to Centennial. 8) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 9) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 10) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 11) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Centennial School Special Considerations: Old saw mill yard east of Foxpark will work as Safety Zone Somber Hill might be used for a lookout point. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. Miller Lake camp ground ---PAGE BREAK--- 230 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 231 ---PAGE BREAK--- 232 ---PAGE BREAK--- 233 Evacuation Preplan for Gramm June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 234 Gramm Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 235 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) FS Road 518 to FS Road 520 will be primary evacuation route to Highway 230. 6) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 7) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain or Pole Mountain 8) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 9) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Gravel pit at Highway 230 and FS road 512 ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Special Considerations: Clear Cut just north of Gramm will work as Safety Zone with some work. Gramm fire area may be a safe area also. Chimney Park may need consideration. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. ---PAGE BREAK--- 236 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location BLUE - Secondary Evacuation Route ---PAGE BREAK--- 237 Evacuation Preplan for Keystone Douglas Creek June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 238 Keystone, Douglas Creek Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be called on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 239 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Confluence of Lake Creek and Douglas Creek. Assessment of where fire is and is going needs to be done. 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Depending on fire location, evacuation route will be FS Road 543 south towards Fox Park or FSR 543 and 542 towards Albany or FSR 543 North towards Rob Roy and Albany. 6) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 7) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 8) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (May not work in some areas) 9) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Confluence of Lake Creek and Douglas Creek ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Centennial School Secondary: Harmony School Special Considerations: These developments are in river drainages / canyons, use special care on route selection and knowing what the fire is doing. Open area at confluence of Douglas and Lake Creek may work as Safety Zone. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: ---PAGE BREAK--- 240 Dispersed camping in area. Bobbie Thompson Camp Ground ---PAGE BREAK--- 241 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 242 ---PAGE BREAK--- 243 ---PAGE BREAK--- 244 Evacuation Preplan for Lake Creek Resort June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 245 Lake Creek Resort Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be called on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 246 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Confluence of Lake Creek and Douglas Creek. Assessment of where fire is and is going needs to be done. 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Evacuation route will be FS Road 509 to FSR 512 to Highway 230. 6) Alternate route will be FS road 509 to FSR 512 to FSR 543 to Keystone then to Albany. 7) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 8) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 9) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (May not work in some areas) 10) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Confluence of Lake Creek and Douglas Creek. Fox Park Work Center USFS. ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Centennial School Special Considerations: Meadow to East may work as Safety Zone Open area at confluence of Douglas and Lake Creek may work as Safety Zone. Remember 3 cabins at the top of ridge to the South East ---PAGE BREAK--- 247 USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. ---PAGE BREAK--- 248 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 249 ---PAGE BREAK--- 250 Evacuation Preplan for Mountain Home Wycolo June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 251 Mountain Home, Wycolo Evacuation Plan If a fire is near these developments use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 252 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Fire Station or Parking lot 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) All fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Primary evacuation route Highway 230. 6) Multiple structures with some limited access roads 7) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. Closure of Highway 230. 8) Incident Command channel should be USFS Spruce Mountain. 9) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 10) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Fire Station or West parking lot. ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Special Considerations: Some open areas may work as Safety Zones with preparation. Boswell Road FS road 526 may be used as an alternate route. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping spots in the area. Boswell Creek camp ground (see OxYoke Ranch) ---PAGE BREAK--- 253 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 254 ---PAGE BREAK--- 255 ---PAGE BREAK--- 256 Evacuation Preplan for Ox Yoke Ranch June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 257 Ox Yoke Ranch Evacuation Plan If a fire is near these developments use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 258 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - fire station? 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Primary evacuation route: Forest Road 526 to Highway 230 or Highway 10 6) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 7) Incident Command channel should be USFS Spruce Mountain. (Jelm if Spruce cannot be hit) 8) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm 9) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Fire Station or West parking lot. ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Special Considerations: Some open areas may work as Safety Zones with preparation. Fairly long travel distance to paved roads. May need Evacuation Command area in another location. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping spots in the area. Boswell Creek camp ground. ---PAGE BREAK--- 259 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location BLUE - Secondary Evacuation Route ---PAGE BREAK--- 260 ---PAGE BREAK--- 261 Evacuation Preplan for Porter Ranch Pelton Creek Properties June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 262 Porter Ranch, Pelton Cr. Properties Evacuation Plan If a fire is near these developments use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 263 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Highway 230 and FS road 898 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) All fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) FS Road 898 will be primary evacuation route to Highway 230. 6) Pelton Creek Properties use FS road 898B to FS road 898. 7) There are no alternate routes out of the area. 8) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 9) Incident Command channel should be USFS, Black Hall may be the only repeater channel to work. 10) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (May not work) 11) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Highway 230 and FS road 898 ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Centennial School Special Considerations: Some Meadows may work as Safety Zones with preparation. Horato Rock might be used for a lookout point. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Numerous dispersed camping spots in the area. Pelton Creek camp ground ---PAGE BREAK--- 264 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 265 ---PAGE BREAK--- 266 Evacuation Preplan for Rambler June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 267 Rambler Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be called on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 268 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area – Rob Roy Camp Ground. Assessment of where fire is and is going needs to be done. 3) If fire is in Savage Run Wilderness, trigger points outside of the 5 miles might be used. 4) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 5) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 6) Evacuation route will be FS Road 500 east to Albany. Secondary route would be FSR 500 west or FSR 543 south. 7) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 8) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 9) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (May not work in some areas) 10) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work 2 Evacuation Command Area: Rob Roy Camp Ground ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Centennial School Secondary: Special Considerations: Know what the fire is doing it may make rapid runs out of the drainages to the west. USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: ---PAGE BREAK--- 269 Dispersed camping in area. Wilderness Users Rob Roy Camp Ground Cinnabar Park ---PAGE BREAK--- 270 YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location BLUE - Secondary Evacuation Route EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL ---PAGE BREAK--- 271 ---PAGE BREAK--- 272 Evacuation Preplan for Rinker / Lankford June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 273 Rinker / Lankford Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be called on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 274 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area – Bridge at Rob Roy or Clear-cut at the intersection of FS 507 and FS 500.Assesment of where fire is and is going needs to be done. 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Evacuation route will be FS Road 507 east to FS 500 to Albany. Secondary route would be FSR 507 to FS 500 towards Rob Roy depending on fire location. 6) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. 7) Incident Command channel should be USFS - Spruce Mountain 8) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (May not work in some areas) 9) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work 2 Evacuation Command Area: Depends on fire, possible areas may be at Rob Roy of a clear-cut near the development. ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Centennial School Secondary: Special Considerations: Know what the fire is doing it may make rapid runs out of the drainages to the west. Some clear cuts may work as safety zones. ---PAGE BREAK--- 275 USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping in area. Spruce Mountain Lookout Rob Roy Camp Ground Cinnabar Park ---PAGE BREAK--- 276 YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location BLUE - Secondary Evacuation Route EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL ---PAGE BREAK--- 277 ---PAGE BREAK--- 278 Evacuation Preplan for Wold Addition June 2008 ---PAGE BREAK--- 279 Wold Addition Evacuation Plan If a fire is near this development use the following table to help decide appropriate action. Consider earlier notification due to number of residences. Under reciprocal agreement other agencies can be call on to help monitor and decide on a course of action. Location Trigger Points Action OUTSIDE 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER ERC 90% OR ABOVE Merits close attention, but will not require an evacuation unless the fire moves closer and / or conditions change Consider evacuation alert. 2 - 5 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS May soon require an evacuation. A change in wind speed, rate of spread or increased fire behavior could trigger an evacuation. Preparations for evacuation should be made. Start an evacuation alert. 2 MILES HIGH FIRE DANGER, WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI Evacuation is likely. The wind is or is expected to be moving the fire towards the community. An increase in wind speed or increase in fire behavior could require immediate evacuation. Start evacuation alert or an evacuation. INSIDE 2 MILES WIND BLOWING TOWARDS WUI, HIGH FIRE DANGER, FIRE RESISTING CONTROL EFFORTS Immediate action should be taken. An evacuation should be ordered if time permits and evacuation route safety can be assured. Critical contacts when considering an evacuation: Albany County Fire Warden Albany County Sheriff Highway Patrol Laramie Area Records and Communication Casper Interagency Dispatch EMA (Laramie Fire Department) Rawlins Interagency Dispatch Guidelines: ---PAGE BREAK--- 280 1) Incident Command will make the decision to start notification or to start an evacuation. 2) Suggested Evacuation Command Area - Ticks Parking lot 3) ACSO will be primary agency to contact homeowners in coordination with the fire service. 4) Fire units may be used to facilitate evacuation. 5) Primary evacuation route Highway 230. 6) Multiple structures with some limited access roads, consider early notification 7) Road Closures in the area should be done as soon as practical to facilitate movement of the public and fire equipment. Closure of Highway 230. 8) Incident Command channel should be USFS Spruce Mountain. 9) Evacuation Coordination Channel should be AC - Jelm (Fire 1 may work) 10) Other common non repeated work channels, FERN, Fire 2, USFS work Evacuation Command Area: Ticks parking lot. ` Evacuation Center: Primary: Harmony School Secondary: Special Considerations: Multiple structures consider early notification or evacuation Limited clearance roads. Watch for traffic congested roads USFS Campgrounds and dispersed Recreation Sites: Dispersed camping spots in the area. ---PAGE BREAK--- 281 ---PAGE BREAK--- 282 EVACUATION CENTER HARMONY SCHOOL YELLOW - Primary Evacuation Route ORANGE - Development Location ---PAGE BREAK--- 283 ---PAGE BREAK--- 284 APPENDIX E. ALBANY COUNTY PIPELINE INFORMATION Wyoming Pipeline Association Member Companies AKA Energy Group LLC Anadarko Petroleum Corporation Belle Fourche Pipeline Company Bridger Pipeline LLC Butte Pipeline Co. Chevron Pipeline Company Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power Colorado Interstate Gas/El Paso Pipeline Group Conoco Phillips Pipe Line Company Conoco Phillips Pipe Line Company/Pioneer Pipeline Devon Energy Corporation Encana Oil & Gas ExxonMobil Production Company FMC Fort Union Gas Gathering Frontier Pipeline/Plains All American Pipeline Wyoming Pipeline Association Member Companies Kern River Gas Transmission Company Key Pipeline, LTD Kinder Morgan Interstate Gas Transmission LLC Kinder Morgan Pipelines (USA) Inc. Lost Creek Gathering LLC Marathon Pipe Line LLC Merit Energy Company Mid-America Pipeline LLC/Enterprise NGL Pipelines, LLC MIGC/Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. MTGC/Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Northwest Pipeline Corporation/Williams Gas Pipeline NuStar Logistics, LP Oneok NGL Pipeline, L.L.C. Pinedale Natural Gas, Inc. Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. ---PAGE BREAK--- 285 Wyoming Pipeline Association Member Companies Questar Gas Company Questar Gas Management Questar Pipeline Company Rockies Express Pipeline, LLC Sinclair Pipeline Company SourceGas Distribution SourceGas Transmission Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, Inc. Suncor Energy Pipeline Company Walden Gas/Pinedale Natural Gas Whiting Oil and Gas Corporation Williams Field Services Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline Company Wyoming Gas Company/NG Transmission Wyoming Refining Xcel Energy ---PAGE BREAK--- 286 ---PAGE BREAK--- 287 APPENDIX F: RESOLUTION OF ADOPTION Albany County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan Adoption Resolution (Resolution WHEREAS Albany County, Wyoming, and municipalities therein, have the potential to experience disasters that can damage commercial, residential, and public properties, displace citizens and businesses, close streets and bridges dividing the County and municipalities, and present general public health and safety concerns; and WHEREAS the County and municipalities have prepared a Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan that identifies goals and mitigation actions to reduce overall impact and potential for loss of life and loss or damage to property from natural hazards and hazardous material incidents; and WHEREAS the Albany County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan has been made available for review by elected officials and the public, and has been developed to meet current state and federal requirements: Now, therefore, be it resolved that: 1. The Albany County Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan is hereby adopted as an official plan of Albany County and all of its incorporated municipalities including; Bosler, Buford, Centennial, Garrett, Laramie, Rock River, Tie Siding and Woods Landing/Jelm. 2. The Board of County Commissioners delegates the responsibility for annual review and monitoring of implementation to the County Emergency Management Coordinator. 3. Each local government shall pursue implementation of the projects contained in the plan as resources allow. 4. Each local government shall consider and incorporate into other plans, elements of the Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan as appropriate. County of Albany Chair, County County County County ---PAGE BREAK--- 288 Emergency Management Incorporated Municipalities Town of Rock River City of Laramie ---PAGE BREAK--- 289 ADDITIONAL REFERENCES Algermissen, S.T., Perkins, D.M., Thenhaus, P.C., Hanson, S.L., and Bender, B.L., 1982, Probabilistic estimates of maximum acceleration and velocity in rock in the contiguous United States: U.S. Geological Survey Open File Report 82-1033, 99 scale 1:7,500,000. Case, J.C., 2000, Probability of damaging earthquakes in Wyoming: Wyoming State Geological Survey, Wyoming Geo-notes No. 67, p. 50-55. Case, J.C., 1996, Historical seismicity of northeastern and east-central Wyoming: Wyoming State Geological Survey Wyoming Geo-notes Number 51, pp. 50-55. Case, J.C., 1997, Historical seismicity of south-central and southeastern Wyoming: Wyoming State Geological Survey Wyoming Geo-notes Number 56, pp. 54-59. Case, J.C., Larsen L.L., Boyd, C.S., and Cannia, J.C., 1997, Earthquake epicenters and suspected active faults with surficial expression in Wyoming: Wyoming State Geological Survey Geologic Hazards Section Preliminary Hazards Report 97-1, scale 1:1,000,000. Geomatrix Consultants, Inc., 1988a, Seismotectonic evaluation of the northwestern Wind River Basin: Report prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Contract No. 6-CS-81- 07310, and 116 p. Geomatrix Consultants, Inc., 1988b, Seismotectonic evaluation of the Wyoming Basin geomorphic province: Report prepared for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, Contract No. 6-CS-81-07310, and 167 p. McGrew, L.W., 1961, Structure of Cenozoic rocks along the northwestern margin of the Julesburg Basin, southeastern Wyoming (abstract): Geological Society of America, Rocky Mountain Section, Annual Meeting Program, Laramie, Wyoming, May 11-13, 1961, p. 22. Murphy, L.M., and Cloud, W.K., 1954, United States earthquakes 1952: U.S. Department of Commerce, Coast and Geodetic Survey Serial No. 773, 112p. Stover, C.W., 1985, Preliminary isoseismal map and intensity distribution for the Laramie Mountains, Wyoming, and earthquake of October 18, 1984: U.S. Geological Survey Open File report 85-137, 9 p. Basic Seismological Characterization For Albany County, Wyoming by James C. Case, Rachel N. Toner, and Robert Kirkwood, Wyoming State Geological Survey September 2002 ---PAGE BREAK--- 290 http://geosurvey.state.co.us/avalanche/US_World_stats/2002-03/US2002-03.html ---PAGE BREAK--- 291