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<br /> <br /> <br />Mud and debris flows at Slate Creek near Marble lodged mud <br />and boulders high in the trees. Indicating a flow depth of at <br />least 10 feet higher than the present ground level. This was <br />a relatively minor event such as occurs on Slate Creek about <br />every five years. <br /> <br />Involved. Removal of vegetation on steep slopes, dumping <br />debris and fi II in a mud flow path and Improper road bui Iding <br />or earth moving can contribute to a mud flow. The fai lure of <br />a dam, Irrigation ditch or other water management structure <br />can initiate mud/debris flow If the escaping water can <br />swiftly accumulate a large volume of soil materials. <br />Similarly, a landsl ide which temporari Iy blocks a stream may <br />cause or contribute to a debris flow. <br /> <br />Mitigation <br /> <br />In most Instances very I ittle can be done to mitigate the mud <br />f low process In the channel itsel f. Property damage can ba <br />prevented by recognizing natural mud flow areas and avoiding <br />them. In some cases unstable slopes can be revegetated or <br />reinforced to reduce the effect of large volumes of moving <br />water upon them. A ser i es of check dams or other storm <br />dra I nage management pract I ces may be cons i dered in some <br />cases. Geologic investigations can identify areas of mud <br />flow potential and serve as a guideline for development of <br />mitigation plans. <br /> <br />Land Use <br /> <br />To prevent loss of Ii fe and property damage, areas subject to <br />mud/debris flows should not be developed. In some cases <br />engineering geologic investigations may define the dynamics <br />of a severe mud/debris flow and allow steps to be taken to <br />direct it away from buildings and other improvements. <br /> <br />15 <br />