Indian Valley and Graeagle are struggling to recover from the recent round of storms bringing historic snowfall, followed by heavy rains, and now bursts of sunshine melting the snowpack.
Many fields remain underwater after this week’s deluge of rain, including Indian Valley’s Golf Course and several of the area’s roadways. Flooding of North Valley road has been reported. Traffic is forced to be diverted, and as Plumas Sheriff Todd Johns has said, slides can happen at any moment. Travelers are urged to remain vigilant, especially when driving through burn scar areas. Highway 89 was opened and closed twice due to slide debris through the storms, and another slide occurred above the highway 70 closure and Greenville wye at Indian Falls, reducing the highway to one lane. Caltrans and contractors are working to clear the debris.
Two unoccupied manufactured homes and several outbuildings in Gareagle have also collapsed under the weight of snow. If you live in a heavily forested area, under deep shade, it is wise to consult a contractor for your home’s snow load capacity and consider removal services. Sheriff Johns says to leave your house and contact emergency services if you hear creaking or popping or your windows and doors are difficult to close, as these are signs your home is stressed from the weight.
Flood evacuation warnings remain in place for the middle fork of the feather river into this afternoon, despite the swollen river receding below the flood stage. Yet, river levels can rise rapidly with another system arriving this weekend.
