Flood — Placer, California

2017-01-09 to 2017-01-10 · near Alta, Placer, California

Event narrative

The bridge on Morton Rd. was washed out by flooding from Canyon Creek. This road is located next to the I80 exit in Alta. The incident isolated 15 homes. An alternative temporary access was established, traversing a steep, windy gravel road over private property.

The Placer County Board of Supervisors approved two measures giving both short- and long-term assistance to the isolated community. A new temporary bridge, and then a permanent bridge will be constructed on the site. The estimated cost is $3 million dollars for the bridge construction. The total cost was estimated by the county to be $5 million.

Wider weather episode

Two strong storms brought a range of significant weather impacts to northern interior California. The first storm was very wet and warm, the second not quite as wet but cooler with lower snow levels. Both storms brought strong, damaging winds. The heavy rain brought widespread flooding of small streams and rivers, with some flooding of main stem rivers, mountain snow many feet deep, and numerous trees down on roads, vehicles, and homes. Many roads, including major highways such as Interstate 80, were shut down due to mudslides, heavy snow, flooding, washouts or avalanche suppression. EF0 tornadoes were reported at Lincoln and Natomas. Other significant impacts include numerous accidents due to slippery roads, evacuations and rescues due to flooding.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (39.2015, -120.8115)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 676616. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.