It's been a dangerous week water-wise in Arizona. When you travel, it's important to keep an eye on the weather, especially during monsoon season.
This week, heavy rains in the Flagstaff area wreaked havoc and flooded homes. The recent Schultz Fire burned vegetation to the ground in areas near Hwy 89A. The result? The rain flooded the landscape, the homes and the roads. There was no vegetation to hold the rain in the ground.
Residents were evacuated and roads closed. News reached of us of a 12 year old girl being swept downstream to her death.
In Tempe, last night, a rubberized dam burst at the Tempe Town Lake, torrents of water rushed downstream. A 16-foot-high section of the dam on Tempe Town Lake near Arizona State University's campus broke open at about 10 p.m. Tuesday. There were no reports of injuries or property damage since the water was confined to the Salt River channel downstream.
Tempe Town Lake has been described as a bog. The water is flowing along the Salt River.
It is hard to imagine that one of the most dangerous aspects of the desert can be water. But since the desert does not absorb water rapidly and the rocky washes fill up quickly, the rushing water can fill roadways and sweep unsuspecting people to their death.
Monsoon Safety Tips
Right now, I would recommend staying away from the flooded areas and the burned areas around Flagstaff.
Right now, Tempe Town Lake is closed. Stay away from the Salt River areas while the water is flowing.
Heed signs that say "Do Not Cross When Flooded." They are placed on the low areas of roadways.
When it rains, drive slowly and keep in lanes that are not flooded. In heavy rains, streets can fill rapidly and drain slowly.
When monsoon clouds are building, avoid starting a hike or 4WD adventure into the desert. You may be caught in a storm and not be able to out-run the lightning and the ensuing rains.
AAA warns, Refrain from driving through flooded areas. It only takes a few inches of rushing water to move a vehicle. Arizona's "Stupid Motorist Law" allows agencies to collect up to $2,000 for water rescues, if drivers get stuck after purposely drive in flooded areas.
More Information:
Flagstaff Flooding
Tempe Dam Burst
Slideshow: Tempe Town Lake After the Dam Burst
Monsoon Tips
KPHO Video of Tempe Town Lake
Comments
How awful for the folks who live in Flagstaff and near the Tempe dam. Yes no vegetation is a problem. Hope recovery from the forest fires happen soon.
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