Public Works

Fire, Rain & Potential Impacts

Fire, Rain & Potential Impacts

Fires in the fall of 2012 significantly impacted the landscape of areas in Chelan County and have increased the risk of flooding and mud flows to lands downstream of the burned areas.  Until vegetation in these areas recovers, little can be done to prevent excess water, debris and mud flows from coming down and causing potential damage to properties downstream.

Click here to go to the "After the Fires" webpage for more information regarding the fire recovery effort.

Chelan County Public Works Department, in cooperation with the county’s Natural Resource Department, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS), the United States Geologic Service (USGS), Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) and Cascadia Conservation District have purchased and installed a series of rain gages.  Selection of rain gage locations was based upon numerous factors, including but not limited to historic flooding, high burn severity areas and population centers. 

Why rain gages?

Rain gages are instruments that measure precipitation using a mechanism to collect the precipitation.  The purpose of these rain gages is to provide an early alert system to the community when a potentially high intensity storm is in the area. 

Wenatchee Complex rain gage locations.
Entiat & Chelan Ranger District rain gage locations.

How will the rain data be used?

When a rain event occurs, data from each gage will be transmitted via satellite on an hourly basis to a USGS database where the National Weather Service will be observing. During that time, if the predetermined precipitation threshold is reached, then data will be transmitted in shorter intervals in order to monitor the data more closely.  Based upon the data received, the National Weather Service may issue weather warnings, advisories, and/or watches.

Click below for information on precipitation data:

What can I do?

By obtaining a NOAA weather radio, you are able to receive complete and continuous weather information directly from the National Weather Service.  This includes severe and hazardous weather warnings, watches, and potential flooding information.  A NOAA weather radio can be purchased at any electronic store or online. Below is more information regarding NOAA's weather radio program:

NOAA terms & definitions of interest:

Advisory (Abbrev. ADVY)- Highlights special weather conditions that are less serious than a warning. They are for events that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised, it could lead to situations that may threaten life and/or property.
Watch A watch is used when the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location, and/or timing is still uncertain. It is intended to provide enough lead time so that those who need to set their plans in motion can do so.
Warning A warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, is imminent, or has a very high probability of occurring. A warning is used for conditions posing a threat to life or property.

Click here for latest advisories, watches or warnings for North Central Washington.

NOAA flood terms & definitions of interest:

Flash Flood A rapid and extreme flow of high water into a normally dry area, or a rapid water level rise in a stream or creek above a predetermined flood level, beginning within six hours of the causative event (e.g., intense rainfall, dam failure, ice jam). However, the actual time threshold may vary in different parts of the country. Ongoing flooding can intensify to flash flooding in cases where intense rainfall results in a rapid surge of rising flood waters.
Flash Flood Statement (FFS) In hydrologic terms, a statement by the NWS which provides follow-up information on flash flood watches and warnings.
Flash Flood Warning Issued to inform the public, emergency management, and other cooperating agencies that flash flooding is in progress, imminent, or highly likely.
Flash Flood Watch
Issued to indicate current or developing hydrologic conditions that are favorable for flash flooding in and close to the watch area, but the occurrence is neither certain or imminent.

Click here for the complete National Weather Service Glossary.

Related Information

Posted: 10/27/2014 01:22 PM
Last Updated: 10/17/2016 04:57 PM

Chelan County Calendar

Upcoming events and schedules at the county!

  • 08
    Apr 2024
    08:00 AM - 05:00 PM

    Small Quantity Generator Collection Event

    Posted by: Solid Waste Management

    Chelan County Public Works on April 8 will host a Small Quantity Generator collection event for small businesses looking to safely dispose of hazardous wastes. Participants MUST pre-register.

    Chelan County Moderate Risk Waste Facility
  • 03
    Apr 2024
    11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

    Chelan County Civil Service Commission

    Posted by: Human Resources

    The Chelan County Civil Service Commission will be meeting on April 3, 2024.

    Chelan County Commissioners Office, meeting room No. 1
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    07:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Assessor's Office Community Meeting: Cashmere, South Wenatchee and Malaga

    Posted by: Chelan County Assessor

    Chelan County Assessor Wes Cornelius invites property owners and all interested parties to attend one of four community meetings scheduled this spring throughout the county.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)
  • 27
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

    Planning Commission - March 27, 2024

    Posted by: Community Development

    400 Douglas Street
  • 20
    Mar 2024
    06:00 PM - 07:00 PM

    Connect with Chelan County: District 1 Meeting

    Posted by: Board Of County Commissioners

    The Chelan County team is coming to a community near you. In March commissioners and a variety of department directors will hold a series of community-led discussions in each of the three districts the commissioners represent.

    Wenatchee High School (new commons area)