Heavy rain could bring flood, debris-flow risks to Little Giant Fire area

CHELAN COUNTY — Periods of heavy rain this week could pose flood and debris-flow risks in and downstream of the Little Giant Fire area, officials warn.

According to the Spokane Forecast Office of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS), there is potential for heavier rains Monday through Tuesday, as well as Friday through Saturday. Precipitation levels going into the weekend are uncertain as a small shift in the track of weather systems could significantly alter amounts, said NWS.

Steep and severely burned terrain in the Little Giant Fire’s footprint continues to pose risks from flooding, debris flows, rockfall, and damaged infrastructure. Risks are especially high in portions of the Entiat River drainage and in portions of the Chiwawa River drainage.

County, state and federal officials encourage residents and landowners to buy flood insurance, sign up for local emergency alerts and consider purchasing a weather radio. Narrow canyons, drainages and areas immediately downstream of recently burned areas should be avoided during storms.

Chelan County has placed sandbags and sand in two locations in the Entiat Valley: the Preston Creek turnout and the Entiat District shop at Steliko. The materials are free to county residents to use for flood mitigation on their private property. Bags can be found under a tarp at the Preston Creek turnout and in a container at the Entiat District shop. The county can be reached at 667-6848 if supplies are low.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media