WASHINGTON — A Flash Flood Warning has been issued for the Little Giant burn scar in central Chelan County in north central Washington until 9:45 p.m. PDT. There is a silver lining in that the fire is getting a decent amount of rainfall, however this will likely create dangerous near-term conditions for anyone present in or around the burn scar area.

Doppler Radar Confirms Heavy Rain Falling Directly Over Burn Scar

At 6:46 p.m. PDT, Doppler radar indicated thunderstorms producing heavy rain directly over the burn scar, where an estimated 0.25 to 0.6 inches of rain had already fallen. Additional rainfall amounts of 0.25 to 0.75 inches are possible within the warned area before the warning expires.

Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly as this additional rainfall continues falling on the already saturated and denuded terrain left behind by the fire.

Excessive Rainfall Raises Mud Slide Risk on Steep Terrain

Excessive rainfall over the warning area will cause mud slides near steep terrain, with these slides capable of consisting of rock, mud, vegetation, and other loose materials. This hazard is directly tied to the burn scar’s lack of vegetation to help stabilize the ground during heavy rainfall.

The combination of flash flooding and mud slide potential creates a compounding danger for anyone present within or near the burned landscape, particularly given how quickly conditions can deteriorate once heavy rain begins falling on this type of terrain.

Silver Falls, Fox Creek, and Cottonwood Campgrounds Directly Threatened

Specific locations expected to experience flash flooding include Silver Falls Campground, Fox Creek Campground, and Cottonwood Campground. These recreational areas sit within or adjacent to the warned zone covering the Little Giant burn scar.

Anyone present at these campgrounds or elsewhere within the warning area should be aware that flooding of areas in and around the burn scar represents the primary impact expected as the thunderstorms continue moving through central Chelan County.

Warning Remains in Effect Through Thursday Evening

The Flash Flood Warning covering the Little Giant burn scar, located within the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Manson and Highway 2, remains in effect until 9:45 p.m. PDT Thursday, August 13.

Residents and recreators throughout central Chelan County are urged to avoid the Little Giant burn scar area during this warning period and to move to higher ground immediately if flash flooding or signs of a mud slide are observed nearby.