Debris Flow — Sierra, California

2017-01-11 · near Pike, Sierra, California

Event narrative

State Route 49 in Sierra County closed due to a rock/mud slide blocking the roadway. The guard rail was damaged.

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 → (39.4971, -121.0364)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 677377. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.