Last week’s storms brought over 16-plus inches of rain to portions of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, resulting in localized flooding and increasing the risk of landslides, debris flows, and downed trees across the Forest.  Areas of particular concern include recent burn scars and the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.  Burned areas have an increased likelihood of landslides, mudslides, flash floods, and debris flows due to the lack of vegetation and unstable soil.  The Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument can also be an area susceptible to landslides due to the presence of loose volcanic soil.  Heavier than normal rainfall can saturate the soil, making it softer and loosen the grip of a tree’s root system, leading to downed trees.  Forest managers would like to remind visitors to use caution and do not drive on roads that are underwater or that have been partially washed out from the storm runoff.