A study has projected up to $694 million in potential damages should a major wildfire and post-fire flooding occur on a forest peak overlooking a northern Arizona city.
The study, which was presented to Coconino County supervisors Tuesday, examined how floodwaters flowing down the slopes of Bill Williams Mountain after a wildfire would threaten the city of Williams.
The study by Northern Arizona University estimated the financial impact to be between $379 million and $694 million. The study found that nearly 950 structures would be at risk in the flood zone.
Wade Rousse, one of the study's authors, says the conclusions reached are likely conservative.
Williams is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Flagstaff.
