March is coming in like a lion as the region braces for the second wave of this blizzard, followed by another round over the weekend. You can plan to dig out by Thursday into Friday, as a much-needed break will offer the opportunity.
The heavy amounts of snow are now only causing travel disruptions but is ushering in other concerns. County officials and emergency response teams are urging you to monitor your homes, office buildings, and propane tanks for signs of excessive snow loading. Vents, chimneys, and flues should also be checked for blockages from snow build-up, as these systems need unobstructed access to outside air to ventilate properly. Blockages can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, creating potentially unsafe interior environments. The heavy snow may also cause chimneys to shift, creating potential falling hazards.
For a home roof snow load assessment, you can visit the Peninsula Fire District website for instructions on measuring the snow on your roof. Regional engineers say homes in the area can range between 40 to 100 lbs per foot, but it greatly depends on when and where your individual home was built.
Additionally, with the continuing blizzard conditions, Feather River college will remain closed today; students are asked to contact their instructor for further assignments. Plumas Unified SD will also continue closures today, and the district will continue monitoring this storm and the weather conditions for school on Wednesday.
