Flood — Modoc County, California

2005-05-08 to 2005-05-10 · Modoc County, California

Event narrative

County officials reported widespread main stem flooding on the Pit River due to heavy rain and snowmelt that occurred in the Warner Mountains several days before. The river was reported to be 1/4 to 1/2 mile in spots with several county roads inundated and closed. A lot of farmland was also submerged, but no structural damage was reported.

Wider weather episode

A flood warning was issued for the Pit River at Canby at 09/1100 PDT based on an unofficial but locally recognized flood stage of 8.5 feet. The river exceeded this stage at 09/2345 PDT and crested at 8.55 feet at 10/0445 PDT and again at 10/0700, 10/0800, and 10/0815. The river dropped below 8.50 feet at 09/2315. No structural damage was reported, but extensive road damage occurred and agricultural fields were flooded. Damage was reported to alfalfa crops and sand hill crane nests. In particular, County Roads 69 and 61 were closed due to high water. County Road 58 near Parker Creek had a bridge undermined. 100 yards of County Road 11 in Lake City Canyon was washed out. Several other county roads were flooded or damaged, but were not rendered impassable. Damage to public property and infrastructure was estimated at 2.25 million. No loss of life or injuries were reported.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (37.3000, -121.6667)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5446645. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.