Flood Mitigation Work Begins
Incident: Little Bear Fire Wildfire
Released: 6/20/2012
VILLAGE, COUNTY, AND FOREST PARTNER IN CLEARING STREAMS WHILE FIRE SUPPRESSION CONTINUES
Alamogordo, NM (June 20, 2012) -The Village of Ruidoso, Lincoln County, and the Lincoln National Forest are already working to prevent flash flooding impacts to communities downstream of the Little Bear Fire scar.
"We're actively removing as much debris as we can," says Justin King, Village of Ruidoso Director of Public Works.
After a wildfire, the charred ground where vegetation has burned away cannot easily absorb rainwater, increasing the risk of flooding and mudflows with stumps and other woody debris.
Village public works employees and local contractors are using County equipment to clear woody debris and trees from Eagle, Little, Magado, and Bonito Creeks. Channels are being cleared of all woody debris and standing trees that could clog drainages during the upcoming monsoon season. These mitigations will prevent additional debris from being collected and washing downstream after heavy rains. Work will continue for another week or more, to lessen impacts to roads, homes, and businesses.
Once Eagle Creek stream channel is cleared, water will be diverted around Alto Lake to protect the lake and move the water downstream.
For more information please contact Peg Crim at 575-434-7290.
