STORM VIDEO: Sights and Sounds in Geologically Active Forest Falls, California

The town of Forest Falls, which lies in one of the most geologically active canyons in Southern California, can trace its history back more than a century.

Although damaging boulder-laden debris flows and avalanches sometimes occur, most homes situated in vulnerable low spots have been removed by nature during previous severe storms, including 1938, 1969, and 1999.


Douglas M. Morton and Rachel M. Hauser authored the following USGS study after a severe storm event 14 years ago:

A Debris Avalanche at Forest Falls, San Bernardino County, California, July 11, 1999

In late October 2003, as the devastating Old Fire still smoldered further west in the San Bernardino Mountains, Redlands native and then-Third District Supervisor Dennis Hansberger told the Los Angeles Times that Forest Falls was "probably the most dangerous place to live in the county."

That notoriety doesn't bother most Forest Falls residents. On Friday Aug. 30, many who remained in town were upbeat, excited by the power of nature in their neighborhoods but hoping no one would be injured or suffer severe property damage.

For more recent Patch reports on Forest Falls see the following links:

PHOTOS: Storm Unleashes More Mud and Rocks in Forest Falls, 2 Homes Damaged

UPDATE: Dangerous Beauty: Three More Injured at Falls in Mill Creek Canyon

VIDEO: Forest Falls 16th Annual Chili Cookoff Pays Tribute to Firefighters