Thanks for the landslide blog link. While Rattlesnake Ridge is fascinating, I was really interested in his discussion of the Montecito Mess, with which we are now grappling.

Problems include where to put the huge amount of debris now clogging the town and highway 101, which might be open by Monday, if everything works out. Complications include separating toxic materials from the waste, as well as looking for the remains of at least three individuals who remain missing. Crews are working 24/7 to clear debris basins and culvert etc. before the next major storm, which fortunately is a ways off. Our local fairgrounds, 30 miles from Montecito is holding some of the debris for sorting and evaluation.

The models predicted a big problem if the burned watersheds received rain at a rate of 1/2 inch in an hour. During the event, one rain gauge recorded 1/2 inch in five minutes.

Mother Nature bats last....