Thursday, December 25, 2008

Sierra Madre at Green Flag Alert

City of Sierra Madre at Green Flag Alert

The City has received an updated Mud Alert from the County of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicating there is a “no phase” Mud Forecast. The City of Sierra Madre is downgrading it’s Yellow Flag to a Green Flag Alert at this time. The National Weather Service is forecasting 50% chance of precipitation for tonight.

It is still recommended that residents stay ready for the possibility of rain events that could cause mud and debris to flow in the affected areas. The affected areas that were identified by the County’s previous alerts where as follows:

Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Should mudflow occur, the Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin cleanup activities on Friday, December 26, with the first priority to get the streets open.

Once again, thank you for your cooperation, your attentiveness, and your contributing efforts to make this a safe holiday for Sierra Madre.

Merry Christmas!


posted by James

Sierra Madre Downgrades to Yellow Flag Alert

City of Sierra Madre at Yellow Flag Alert

The City has received an updated Mud Alert from the County of Los Angeles Public Works Department indicating a Phase 1 Mud Forecast. This Yellow Flag Alert replaces the Red Flag Alert that has been in effect since yesterday morning. The National Weather Service is forecasting 60% chance of precipitation today that transitions into 30% chance of precipitation for tonight.

It is still recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for possible mudflows:

Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Should mudflow occur, the Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin cleanup activities on Friday, December 26, with the first priority to get the streets open.

The barrier across Brookside Lane and Woodland Drive has been removed this morning. The barrier will be replaced if deemed necessary and in that event, vehicular access to Upper Brookside Lane and Upper Woodland Drive will be closed.

The Yellow Flag Alert also restricts parking on streets in the Upper and Lower Canyon. Affected streets are Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Elm Ave, Sturtevant Dr. and Holly Trail. Vehicles left on the street may be towed at the owner’s expense.

Again, thank you for your cooperation, your attentiveness, and your contributing efforts to make this a safe holiday for Sierra Madre.

Merry Christmas!


posted by James

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Sierra Madre Issues Red Flag Alert

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Red Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The Los Angels County Public Works Department issued a Phase 2 Mud Alert at 8:16 this morning. A Phase 2 Alert indicates the potential for moderate mud flow in affected areas. The National Weather Service is forecasting an 80% chance of rain in Sierra Madre today and a 90% chance this evening, December 24, 2008. The National Weather Service has also issued a Flash Flood Watch for the area beginning at 4:00 PM and continuing through Thursday morning. Heavy rainfall is predicted to begin at 4:00PM today (Wednesday) and continue through 4:00AM Christmas morning with lower chance of rain to clear by Friday morning. The predicted storm total is 2.9 inches or more.

It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential moderate mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Should mudflow occur, the Sierra Madre Public Works Department will begin cleanup activities on Friday, December 26, and the first priority will be to get the streets open.

The barrier across Brookside Lane and Woodland Drive will be set in place by 3:00pm today. Vehicular access Upper Brookside Lane and Upper Woodland Drive will be closed.

Voluntary evacuations are recommended for the mud flow areas at this time. There will be no evacuation center opened until such a time as evacuations become mandatory.

Bailey Canyon and Mt. Wilson Trail are closed. Chantry Drive may be closed when rains become heavy.

Sand and bags are available at the City Yards and will be available at Mary’s Market as soon as possible.

A Red Flag Alert also restricts parking on streets in the Upper and Lower Canyon. Affected streets are Mount Wilson Trail, Churchill Rd., Skyland Dr., Fern Glen, Fern Dr., Idlehour Ln., Canyon Crest Dr., Orange Dr., Woodland Dr., Brookside Lane, Sunnyside Lane, Yucca Trail, Elm Ave, Sturtevant Dr. and Holly Trail. Vehicles left on the street may be towed at the owner’s expense.


The City of Sierra Madre apologizes for these inconveniences during the Holiday. It is our sincere hope that our residents will be able to enjoy a warm, festive and safe evening.


by James

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Heavy Rainfall in the Forecast

The City of Sierra Madre spoke this morning with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works who is expecting a Phase 1, possibly a Phase 2 mudflow prediction for Christmas Eve. LACDPW will not actually make the forecast until the National Weather Service provides a more accurate rainfall estimate for the area.

Currently the rainfall range is 2-3 inches tomorrow, 12/24 through Thursday, 12/25. In the case of mud and/or debris flow the City will clean up the streets as soon as possible once the rain stops and it is safe for crews to enter the mud areas. This may mean that clean-up efforts may not begin until after the holiday.

The City urges all residents in the potential mud flow areas to be prepared for heavy rains and to stay tuned to the City alerts via email, flags, electronic billboards, the City website at www.cityofsierramadre.com and the Emergency blog at http://www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.

In the mean time the City of Sierra Madre wishes you and your family safe and happy holidays.

Monday, December 22, 2008

Green Flag Warning

Good Morning!

Today’s National Weather Service forecast calls for 70% chance of rain, albeit the amount of rainfall should not exceed 0/3” in any 6 hour period.

The forecast for the week shows at least a 20% chance of rain every day through Christmas. If we do get rain every day, soil saturation levels may generate mud flow forecasts, so it may become necessary to go to Yellow later in the week.

For the time being, the City of Sierra Madre has issued a Green Flag Alert for the week.

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The City of Sierra Madre repeals Yellow Flag Warning

The Los Angeles County of Public Works has removed the Phase 1 mudflow alert and the National Weather Service is not predicting any chance of precipitation for today, Thursday, December 18, 2008. Therefore, the City of Sierra Madre has removed all flag alerts at this time.

The City would like to express their gratitude to the residents for their patience and diligence during this latest rain event.

The National Weather Service is predicting a slight chance of rain in the next few days and the City would like everyone to keep an eye on weather reports and remain prepared for events in the future.

Thank you!


Posted by James

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Yellow Flag Continues

LA County Department of Public Wprks’s 0730 debris and mudflow forecast remains at Phase 1 for the Santa Anita fire burn areas. Thus, Sierra Madre stays at a Yellow flag condition until further notice. This is in spite of only 0.01” of rain in the last 24 hours, as measured at the public safety facility. Continued Phase 1 is likely due to saturated nature of the slopes and National Weather Service forecast of 0.2-0.4” of rain per hour through 1600 today.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Yellow Flag Alert

Yellow Flag Mud Alert Issued

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has issued a Phase 1 mudflow forecast for the Santa Anita Fire burn areas.

It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts. Overnight parking restrictions will be lifted through out the City of Sierra Madre during Yellow & Red Flag Alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible.

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Green Flag Mud Alert

The City of Sierra Madre has downgraded to a Green Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. There is still a 20% change of rain through this evening and residents are encouraged remain diligent. The National Weather Service has also posted a 40% chance of rain for tomorrow (Tuesday 12/15/08) day and 60% chance of rain for tomorrow evening.

City officials and staff would once again like to thank the residents for their continued preparations and cooperation during this mud threat.




Posted by James at 3:49pm

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Yellow Flag Mud Alert

Yellow Flag Mud Alert Issued

The City of Sierra Madre issued a Yellow Flag Mud Alert for Sierra Madre residences in potential mud flow areas. 
The National Weather Service is saying light rain will start at 4 pm today, turning to heavy rain at 10 pm. NWS has issued a flash flood watch. 

It is recommended that residents in the following areas prepare for potential mudflow deposition on: Auburn Avenue east of Auburn Debris Basin; the development under construction north of Carter Avenue; Carter Avenue between the development and Mira Monte Avenue; Mt. Wilson Trail near Mira Monte Avenue; Churchill Road near Skyland Drive; Skyland Drive; streets below Sierra Madre Debris Dam (Sumac Trail, Brookside Lane, Woodland Drive); Yucca Trail; Lotus Lane, above Camillo Street and Sturtevant Debris Basin; Sunrise Hill Lane; Santa Anita Canyon Road above Lannan Debris Basin.

Affected residents should prepare to leave their homes and may choose to voluntarily evacuate. Please note that all vehicles must be off the streets in potential mudflow areas during Yellow Flag alerts.

Should there be mud flow the City of Sierra Madre Public Works Department will work hard to clean the streets of any potential debris and mud as soon as possible. 

Additional information on how to protect your home can be found on the City’s website, www.cityofsierramadre.com. Mud incident updates can be found at www.sierramadrepio.blogspot.com.