Glendale (PDF) - Hazard Mitigation Web Portal - State of California

Natural Hazards Mitigation PlanCity of Glendale, CaliforniaSection 8 – FloodsFlood Management Projects:Flood management structures can assist in regulating flood levels by adjusting water flowsupstream of flood-prone areas. The main flood control systems in the Glendale area include theVerdugo Wash Flood Control Channel and Sycamore Canyon Channel. In addition, there areseveral detention or debris basins in the San Gabriel Mountains, in or above Glendale thatprovide flood protection.Verdugo Wash Flood Control Channel: The city of Glendale is primarily served by theVerdugo Wash Flood Control Channel. This Channel was designed for a 100-year capital stormto carry the storm water run-off from the hillsides at the northern portion of the city (in the LaCrescenta area), and outlets into the Los Angeles River. Other tributaries of the Verdugo Washinclude: Halls Canyon Channel, Pickens Canyon Channel, Eagle Shields Canyon Channel, CooksCanyon Channel and the Dunsmuir Canyon Channel. A debris basin was also constructed acrossthe Verdugo Wash Channel downstream from all the tributary channels to filter debris thatcould potentially clog the channel and reduce its capacity.Sycamore Canyon Channel: The eastern portion of the city is served by the SycamoreCanyon Channel. This channel was built during the 1930s. Although many developments haveoccurred within its drainage area, it is generally adequate for storm water protection, except fora small portion of the “Adams Hill Area,” where there is a dip on Cottage Grove Avenue,between Palmer Street and Green Street. This dip acts as drainage channel, and during heavyrains, this dip may be subjected to minor flooding. However, private properties are notadversely affected.Community Issues Summary:Flooding issues in Glendale are considered minor, however, recent storms have shown thatstorm damages to structures and businesses can cost thousands if not millions of dollars torepair. In most cases, these loss estimates do not even include lost revenue due to businessinterruption.The city of Glendale works to address its localized flooding problems as they arise. However,given that some areas in Glendale appear to be more susceptible to flooding issues, due in greatpart to urban run off and modification of the natural environment, proactive measures thataddress the issues before flooding occurs could be implemented.Flood Mitigation Action ItemsThe flood mitigation action items provide direction on specific activities that organizations andresidents in the city of Glendale can undertake to reduce risk and prevent loss from floodevents. Each action item is followed by ideas for implementation, which can be used by thesteering committee and local decision makers in pursuing strategies for implementation.Short Term – Flood #l:Action Item: Analyze each repetitive flood property within the City of Glendale and identifyfeasible mitigation options.Ideas for Implementation:♦ Identify appropriate and feasible mitigation activities for identified repetitive floodproperties. Funding may be available through FEMA' s Hazard Mitigation Grant andFlood Mitigation Assistance Programs and the Pre-disaster Mitigation Program.2006 PAGE 8- 25