205 W 5th Ave Ellensburg, WA 98926-2887
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Kittitas (pronounced 'KITT-i-tass') County is located in central Washington State. It spans from the lush forested Cascade Mountains to the upper Yakima River Valley plains and the Columbia River.
Kittitas County, WA - 08/14/2014 - The Snag Canyon Fire has burned more than 12,500 acres of land 12 miles north of Ellensburg including in the Wilson and Naneum Canyons. Large scale wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and ground conditions, prompting a new concern: flooding.
The Kittitas County Public Works Department has mailed letters to landowners in the Wilson Creek and Naneum areas to advise them of the flood risks. Both creeks are at risk of flooding if heavy rains should be predicted. Properties directly affected by fires and those located below or downstream of burn areas are most at risk for more severe runoff and soil erosion. Normally, vegetation absorbs rainfall and reduces the amount of rainfall entering the stream channel. After a fire, the lack of vegetation causes rain to runoff along the soil surface, picking up debris and ash, increasing the risk for flooding, erosion and mud and debris flows. Flood risk remains high for up to five years after a wildfire. Landowners are urged to be aware of the potential for flooding and soil erosion. The Kittitas County Conservation District and Kittitas County Flood Control Zone District are working together to determine the potential impacts of the fire. For more information on flooding, visit the Kittitas County Flood Information webpage at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/public-works/flood/default.aspx, or call 509-962-7523. Flood warning information can be viewed at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us/public-works/flood/warning.aspx. Additionally, property owners can contact the Kittitas County Conservation District at 509-925-3352, or visit their website at http://www.kccd.net/index.htm ,for information on riparian-zone restoration and Firewise property protection.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
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Contact: Kittitas County Public Works Department509-962-7523