NWS: Rain Not Likely To Cause Debris Flow In North Bay Burn Areas

NORTH BAY, CA — Cool and rainy weather this weekend is not expected to cause debris flows and erosion in the wildfire burn areas of Sonoma and Napa counties, according to the National Weather Service.

"The latest trend is it looks drier than forecasted earlier in the week," forecaster Ryan Walbrun said. "There will still be rain, but not enough to cause debris flows. We don't anticipate widespread problems."

Showers dropping down from the north should begin in the North Bay after midnight and continue off and on Friday. There may be moderate rain in Sonoma and Napa counties overnight Friday and Saturday morning. Rainfall should be between a quarter- and half-inch, Walbrun said.

The North Bay will clear Saturday but another cold front bringing rain will arrive Sunday night into Monday morning. Rain is possible Wednesday and next weekend, Walbrun said.

Officials in Sonoma and Napa counties were concerned earlier this week about heavy rain washing toxic debris from burned residential areas into streams and creeks and causing erosion and pollution in rural areas.

Napa County officials said much of the rain will soak into the ground and large flows of ash and debris are not expected.

The county is actively preparing for future storms as winter months approach, county spokeswoman Kristi Jourdan said.

Work crews are removing dead and dangerous trees, clearing drainage areas and debris along roadways and replacing road signs, guardrails and retaining walls.

Napa County provides free sandbags to control sediment and erosion on properties. A list of sandbag locations is available at Countyofnapa.org.

By Bay City News Service

Photo by Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com