In eastern US, in particular for the Appalachian Mountains, the USGS issue warnings since 2000 if major hurricanes interest the area (Wieczorek et al. 2000; Baum 2007). The geotechnical monitoring and snowmelt are not considered for issuing warnings, but only rainfall thresholds defined by Wieczorek et al. 2000.

Some Utah communities near recently burned areas have received debris-flow warnings based on storm rainfall. These warnings have resulted in evacuations of affected communities until protective structures could be constructed (Baum and Godt, 2010, Giraud 2005).