I. INTRODUCTION To assess the vulnerability of Monterey County it is important to have an understanding of the history of the county. Monterey County experiences rain-induced flooding. The county has experienced numerous incidents of local and widespread flooding. The county has several dams and numerous flood control structures. 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 in many areas of the county, including areas of the Los Padres National Forest, Arroyo Seco, Cachagua and Tassajara, are at risk for loss of life and property during heavy rains. Potential earthquake damage exists as the northern section of the San Andreas Fault runs from Hollister, through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Another hazard that could hit the Monterey County coast is a tsunami. In winter, potential damage can temporarily disrupt electrical and communications facilities during windstorms. Releases of hazardous materials may occur due to transportation accidents as trains and trucks travel through the county.A. LANDSLIDESDebris avalanches and debris flows are landslides, saturated with water, that travel rapidly down slopes in the form of muddy sludge. Flowing mud carries rocks, boulders, brush, trees and other debris as it travels down slopes and gullies. The risk of damage to property (roads and paths) is high. Risk to infrastructure exists due to increased runoff and sediment accumulation in drainage areas. This risk comes from a high possibility of drains clogging and overflowing during a storm that could cause significant damage. (Fire Flood and Mudslides) Debris...... center of map ......l 1996. Retrieved from: http://nthmp-history.pmel.noaa.gov/hazard3.pdfState Department of Conservation 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 from "mudslides "...Debris Avalanches and debris flows in hilly areas and wildland fires, 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 Probability in the San Francisco Bay Region: 2000 to 2030: A Summary of Results. Retrieved from: http://geopubs.wr.usgs.gov/open-file/of99-517/of99-517.pdf