Montectio creeks, debris basins doing their job in storm

Montecito’s creeks and debris basins have survived their first real test since January 9 when mud and debris came off the charred Thomas Fire hills.

Friday morning the creek along Jameson Lane, once filled to the brim, now working exactly like it’s designed. While the rain has been light in populated areas, the mountains have been getting a good soaking. All that water flowing downhill and into the creeks.

Santa Barbara County spent the last five weeks clearing mud and debris from Montecito’s creeks and debris basins. The Office of Emergency Management says crews removed 20,000 truckloads of debris. That’s enough to fill more than half of the Rose Bowl.