County under ‘state of emergency'
YREKA - Siskiyou County
Sheriff Rick Riggins declared a “local state of
emergency” for Siskiyou County at 5 p.m. Thursday
due to existing and forecasted weather in the
county. Western Siskiyou County is the most
impacted with rivers and streams exceeding flood
levels.
With rain continuing
today, the local state of emergency remains in
effect for the Klamath and Scott rivers. Both
rivers crested early Thursday morning over “flood
levels.”
The Klamath River crested at 8 p.m. Wednesday at
16.7 feet. Current flood level is at 15 feet.
At 15 feet, the Klamath River begins to flow out
of its banks in some areas, flooding some low area
structures. At 20 feet Highway 96 is inundated in
low spots along the river with flooding likely at
Scott River and Indian Creek. Considerable
flooding occurs at 28 feet and major flooding at
33.8 feet with Highway 96 impassable.
Historical flood data puts
Klamath River flooding in perspective. The river
reached 28.72 feet in 1997, 22.8 feet in 1981,
29.65 feet in 1974, 33.75 feet in 1964, and 29.2
feet in 1955.
The Scott River crested at 2 a.m. Wednesday at
15.5 feet. The current flood level for the river
is set at 15 feet, the point in which the river
overflows its banks. Flood indicators for the
Scott River are called an action stage at 12 feet,
flood level at 15 feet, moderate flooding at 20
feet, and major flooding at 25 feet.
Historical data for the Scott River shows flooding
at 23.47 feet in 1997, 20.52 feet in 1981, 23.67
feet in 1974, 25.34 feet in 1964, and 21.4 feet in
1955.
The National Weather Service's forecast is that
the Klamath and Scott rivers will remain under
flood warning through Saturday but should fall
below the flood monitoring level by late Friday
night. However, a strong moisture frontal system
is approaching the region and conditions could
worsen if it brings more rain than anticipated.
The exact wording of the National Weather Service
forecast is as follows: “A strong storm will
continue to bring heavy precipitation to Southern
Oregon and Northern California today through
tonight. Many rivers in the area are already
swollen from previous rainfall. Heavy rain and
high snow levels associated with this system will
result in additional runoff and increase the flood
potential through Saturday.”
While Western Siskiyou County watches the rivers
rise above flood state, almost everyone else in
the county is feeling the impact of the wind. The
National Weather Service has issued a “high wind
warning” for Siskiyou County for today and
tomorrow.
“A strong low pressure system moving into the
Northwest will produce strong south winds over the
area later tonight through Friday,” the warning
states. “The south end of the Shasta Valley near
Weed can expect south winds of 30 to 40 mph with
gusts to 60 mph through Friday night.”
A high wind warning means that winds of 40 mph or
greater are expected. Winds this strong can make
driving difficult, especially for high profile
vehicles. As usual, extra caution is required when
traveling on Interstate 5 between Yreka and Mount
Shasta.
Sustained wind speeds of 40 mph or greater and
gusts of 58 mph or more can also lead to property
damage.
Besides heavy wind, early morning travelers
encountered snow this morning. Chain control went
into effect on the Siskiyou Summit and on Highway
97 over Snowman's Hill between Mount Shasta and
McCloud. It was also snowing in Mount Shasta and
Weed this morning although it is anticipated it
will turn to rain as the day progresses.
Rain and snow is forecast throughout the weekend
with snow levels at about 5,000 feet.
Sandbags are available at Dunsmuir City Hall in
Dunsmuir.
Flood warnings remain in effect for both the
Klamath River and Scott River areas.
The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department/Office of
Emergency Services has been coordinating with the
California Highway Patrol, California Department
of Forestry, Red Cross, Caltrans, and local police
and fire departments.
