Sierra Madre officials warn of mudflow risk, announce evacuation orders for high‑risk areas

Sierra Madre City officials announced plans to issue evacuation orders and warnings for high‑risk neighborhoods ahead of a strong storm expected to begin March 12, warning that runoff from recent burn scars could trigger fast-moving mudflows and debris flows.

James Carlson, senior analyst with the City of Sierra Madre, said the storm outlook shows “a very strong storm … significant rainfall expected,” and that burned hillsides “remain extremely vulnerable,” producing “fast moving unfiltered runoff, which can lead to mudslides and debris flows.” Carlson said city and county flood engineers have modeled potential mudflow paths and identified high-risk areas.

The announcement came as Fire Chief Brent Bartlett warned that the city will issue evacuation orders and warnings for high‑risk areas and provided the schedule officials plan to use. Bartlett said the orders “will be in effect tomorrow, Wednesday, March 12 from 7AM and will remain in place until March 13 at 6PM or longer depending on post storm conditions in the field.” He emphasized that public safety personnel “cannot enter active mud and debris flows” and urged residents to follow orders to avoid becoming trapped or placing responders at risk.

Police Chief Gus Barrientos reiterated the need for compliance, describing the difference between an evacuation warning and an evacuation order: “Evacuation or, evacuation warnings means prepare now … What does an evacuation order mean? It means you must leave immediately. Leave.” Barrientos said red‑flag street parking restrictions will be in effect in impacted zones, vehicles may be towed to preserve ingress and egress for emergency vehicles, and that residents should consult the city’s official updates (referred to as Genesis in the meeting).

City staff described mitigation measures already in place: more than 500 feet of k‑rail installed in key locations, thousands of sandbags distributed and placed in high‑risk areas, and “hundreds of thousands of cubic yards of debris” removed from debris basins with assistance from Los Angeles County. Carlson noted that rail and timber structures such as the one on Yucca Trail are designed to capture large debris but are not solid barriers, while engineered debris basins are intended to capture both mud and debris.

Carlson identified specific areas the city is monitoring, citing past and forecasted flows: Stone House/private property draining toward East Grandview (which experienced significant flow during the Feb. 13 event); two large mud sheds depositing on Woodland and at the Yucca Trail structure; a wide mud shed above Skyland Drive and northern Upper Canyon streets; Mount Wilson Trail near the historic museums; cross‑parcel drainage around Sturtevant and North Mountain Trail and East Carter; northern Auburn; and Sierra Meadows Drive. He said some areas that were less impacted on Feb. 13 remain of concern despite mitigation efforts.

Officials asked residents in high‑risk areas to pack essentials for multiple days, secure their homes, and follow evacuation messaging. Bartlett closed his remarks by urging compliance and expressing hope for residents’ safety: “I’d like to hopefully see everybody on the other side of this storm.” Barrientos closed by stressing public safety priorities: “The preservation of life far exceeds, the preservation of property.”

The city advised residents to monitor official Sierra Madre communications for real‑time updates and instructions.