The much needed rain moving through the Valley also posing some risks for residents

MADERA COUNTY (KFSN) -- Rain continues to move through the Valley-- while it is welcomed it also poses some risks. The national weather service issued a flash flood watch in many foothill communities because of the danger of rock and mudslides.

The watch was issued and extended through this afternoon.

Some foothill communities have already seen nearly an inch of rain. However, this storm isn't done just yet, keeping many public works departments are on high alert-- including Mariposa County.

Nearly 82,000 acres burned in Mariposa County because of the Detwiler Fire. Ahead of the storm and on Monday workers have been keeping a close eye on the road conditions-- clearing debris throughout the county.

Danger lurks on the scarred hillsides because of the fire. The Mariposa County Public Works Department has been surveying the burn area. The Director of Public Works said rain back in November helped stabilize the soil and get some vegetation growth back.

While the rain is needed, Public Works knows they need to be on high alert.

Director of Public Works Mariposa Mike Healy said, "We are looking at storm drains, we are looking at rock slides, we are looking for any indications of trouble."

Workers have seen a few problems, but say they will continue to keep a watchful eye until the burn scars recover. One main area of focus they will be watching out for an area just up the highway-- a two-mile stretch on highway 41 near Fish Camp.

There is a winter storm warning for the mountain communities which could cause travel delays.