Global Change Master Directory (GCMD)

NOAA-USGS Debris-Flow Warning System

Entry ID: debris_flow_ca

Summary

Abstract: Landslides and debris flows cause loss of life and millions of dollars in property damage annually in the United States (National Research Council, 2004). In an effort to reduce loss of life by debris flows, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration?s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) operated an experimental debris-flow prediction and warning system in the San Francisco Bay area from 1986 to 1995 that relied on forecasts and measurements of precipitation linked to empirical precipitation thresholds to predict the onset of rainfall-triggered debris flows. Since 1995, there have been substantial improvements in quantifying precipitation estimates and forecasts, development of better models for delineating landslide hazards, and advancements in geographic information technology that allow stronger spatial and temporal linkage between precipitation forecasts and hazard models. Unfortunately, there have also been several debris flows that have caused loss of life and property across the United States. Establishment of debris-flow warning systems in areas where linkages between rainfall amounts and debris-flow occurrence have been identified can help mitigate the hazards posed by these types of landslides. Development of a national warning system can help support the NOAA-USGS goal of issuing timely Warnings of potential debris flows to the affected populace and civil authorities on a broader scale.

This document presents the findings and recommendations of a joint NOAA-USGS Task Force that assessed the current state-of-the-art in precipitation forecasting and debris-flow hazard-assessment techniques. This report includes an assessment of the science and resources needed to establish a demonstration debris-flow warning project in recently burned areas of southern California and the necessary scientific advancements and resources associated with expanding such a warning system to unburned areas and, possibly, to a national scope.

[Summary provided by the USGS.]

Related URL

Link: VIEW RELATED INFORMATION
Description: Report on the NOAA-USGS Debris-Flow Warning System.

ISO Topic Category

CLIMATOLOGY/METEOROLOGY/ATMOSPHERE
ENVIRONMENT
GEOSCIENTIFIC INFORMATION

Access Constraints

None

Use Constraints

None

Keywords

Natural Hazards

Debris Flow

Landslides

Hazard Warning System

Personnel

ASK USGS
Role: TECHNICAL CONTACT
Phone: 1-888-275-8747
Email: ask at usgs.gov
Contact Address:
U.S. Geological Survey
12201 Sunrise Valley Drive
City: Reston
Province or State: Virginia
Postal Code: 20192
Country: USA

TYLER B. STEVENS
Role: SERF AUTHOR
Phone: 301-851-8113
Email: Tyler.B.Stevens at nasa.gov
Contact Address:
5700 Rivertech Court
City: Riverdale
Province or State: MD
Postal Code: 20737
Country: USA

Extended Metadata Properties

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Creation and Review Dates

SERF Creation Date: 2009-02-17
SERF Last Revision Date: 2009-02-17

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