I. INTRODUCTIONTo assess Monterey County's vulnerability, it is important to have a sense of the county's history. Monterey County is experiencing rain-induced flooding. The county has suffered numerous incidents of local and widespread flooding. The county has several dams and a number of flood control facilities. Although dam failure is a very rare event, a catastrophic failure of even a moderately sized dam could result in the release of significant amounts of water into populated areas downstream. The topography and environment of many areas of the county, including the Los Padres National Forest, Arroyo Seco, Cachagua and Tassajara, present a risk of loss of life and property during heavy rains. Potential earthquake damage exists since the northern section of the San Andreas Fault extends from Hollister through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Another hazard that could affect the Monterey County coast is tsunami. In winter, potential damage may temporarily disrupt electrical and communications facilities during wind storms. Releases of hazardous materials may occur as a result of transportation accidents when trains and trucks pass through the county.A. LANDSLIDESDebris avalanches and debris flows are landslides, saturated with water, that move rapidly down slopes in the form of muddy slurries. Flowing mud carries rocks, boulders, bushes, trees and other debris as it moves down slopes and ravines. There is a high risk of damage to property (roads and trails). There is a risk to infrastructure due to increased runoff and sediment buildup in drainage areas. This risk comes from a strong possibility that the pipes will clog and overflow during a storm, which could cause significant damage. (Fire Flood and Mudslides)Debris...... middle of paper ......l 1996. Retrieved from: http://nthmp-history.pmel.noaa.gov/hazard3.pdfDepartment of Conservation State of California, Earthquakes, retrieved from: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/cgs/geologic_hazards/earthquakes/Pages/index.aspxState of California Department of Conservation California Geological Survey - CGS Note 33 Hazards related to "mudslides"... Debris Avalanches and Debris Flows in Hillside and Wildfire Areas, retrieved from: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/Understanding Your Risks – Identifying Hazards and Estimating Loss Potential (2001) . FEMA Publication 386-2. Retrieved from: http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=1880U.S. Census Bureau 2008. Retrieved from: http://www.census.gov/USGS (1999). Earthquake Probabilities in the San Francisco Bay Area: 2000 to 2030 — A Summary of Results. Retrieved from: http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-517/of99-517.pdf