Monrovia: LA County Issues Phase II Debris & Mudflow In Advance Of Forecasted Rain

Monrovia CA

30 January, 2021

6:01 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Monrovia: January 28, 2021 A strong and slow moving storm will bring periods of moderate to heavy rain to the LA County area today and continue through Friday, January 29. Forecasts are calling for rainfall totaling up to 2 inches in the foothill areas with the heaviest periods of rain bringing up to 1/2 inch per hour. The heavy rain is anticipated to move through the area late this evening and into the overnight hours. Monrovia Public Works, in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, have been actively monitoring the forecast in anticipation of debris and mudflow in the burn area from the recent Bobcat Fire. In preparation for the rain, the LA County Department of Public Works has issued a Phase II Debris and Mudflow Forecast for the area of Monrovia that is in the neighborhood of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive. A Phase II forecast indicates residents should anticipate moderate to heavy flooding and mud or sediment deposition on Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive. Area of Concern The area below the Oakglade Debris Basin, in the vicinity of Ridgeside Drive and Oakglade Drive, has been identified for potential debris and mud flow. Response to the Debris and Mudflow Forecast Throughout the week, staff of Monrovia Public Works has been notifying residents in this particular neighborhood of the potential debris and mudflow. In addition to mailing out letters, staff has also hand-delivered notices to residents. As we are preparing for this rain storm, our priority is the safety of our residents. The following preparations have been put into place to ensure that staff remains vigilant of the evolving situation and can respond as quickly as possible. Monrovia Fire & Rescue has prepared an extra engine company, in coordination with an additional engine from Arcadia Fire Department, to patrol and assess the areas of concern throughout the rain event. Monrovia Police Department will provide extra patrol throughout the evening to monitor the hillside areas. Monrovia Public Works has prepared for tractors and dump trucks to respond as needed. Los Angeles County Flood Control and Public Works are pre-deploying various types of heavy equipment throughout the areas of concern within LA County. By having these equipment in place, staff are able to rapidly respond in the event of any debris and mudflow activity. Monrovia Public Works and Los Angeles County Flood Control / Public Works have assessed and cleared the existing drainage infrastructure so that it is available and functional to take on any flows brought on by the rain event. Gravel (Sand) Bag Available for Residents Gravel, along with gravel bag materials, is available at Recreation Park in the parking lot off of East Olive Avenue, near the skate park and Barney Glen Baseball Field. Recreation Park - 620 S Shamrock Ave, Monrovia, CA 91016 Please note that the gravel bags are self serve. The City will provide the needed bags and gravel and residents must provide their own shovels, gloves and eye protection. To ensure that there is enough for all of the resident who may use them, please take only what you need. Contact Information Monrovia Police Department Non-emergency line: (626) 256-8000 If there's an emergency, dial 911. Resources Debris and Mudflow Potential Forecast Rain Season Preparedness Information Stay informed on the City's Post-Bobcat Fire response. This press release was produced by the City of Monrovia. The views expressed are the author's own.