Cal OES Statement and Mendocino County Flood Forecast

The following information is a message from the Cal OES (Office of Emergency Services) Director Mark Ghilarducci,along with an update of the weather forecast for the State.

“This week California is expected to experience high winds and heavy rains in several parts of our state. For many of us, these rains are a welcome sign for agricultural and domestic water needs. We live in the arid West and this year has been historically dry. Any help that Mother Nature provides will alleviate extremely low water levels and is greatly needed.

We know that it can flood anywhere that we receive heavy rains. This storm will present a risk of flash flooding and debris slides in areas where ground conditions have not adapted to the saturation. This year was also a significant fire season for Northern and Southern California and burned areas are especially at risk for debris slides. Even regions that don’t experience regular seasonal flooding could see flash flooding during this intense storm system, which could be the largest to date of this year’s rainy season.

Before the rain comes to your area, educate yourself and be aware of the potential risk to the places where you live, work and play. I urge all Californians to take basic steps to increase their own ability to be resilient through these storms and their impacts. The public safety community will be very busy during these storms and it’s important to help reduce 9-1-1 call volumes by lowering your risks of danger as much as possible.”

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Mendocino County OES has been working with the Mendocino County Department of Transportation, Mendocino County General Services, Mendocino County Health and Human Services and various other agencies in preparation of the storm.  As you have heard by now there is a surf advisory for the coastal areas, high winds in the upper elevations and up to 8 inches of rain expected in some areas.  It is predicted to be the worst storm California has seen in five years.
 
Below is an update received from Cal OES regarding the following rivers in Mendocino County:
Navarro River at Navarro:  Reach flood stage at 0800 hrs Dec 11 and recede 0800 hrs Dec 12.  Peak at 33.5 feet at 1800 hrs Dec 11.

Impacts:  Water flows over the banks of the river approximately 1 mile east of Highway 128, and begins to flood property in this area including several homes. Complete closure of Highway 128.
Russian River at Hopland:  Reach flood stage at 0800 Dec 11 and recede 2000 hrs Dec 11.  Peak at 24.8 feet at 1600 hrs Dec 11.

Impacts:  Severe bank erosion is likely with widespread flooding of farm land, buildings and low-lying homes in the Hopland, Ukiah, and Talmage areas. Many secondary roads will be flooded. This level of flooding caused 6100 acres to flood in February 1940.

Sound like most most the rivers in Mendo, Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties are going to reach flood stage early Friday. River flooding aside, that much rain in two days is going to create small stream flooding and standing water everywhere. Stay safe out there everybody.

Been busy getting emergency gear ready and stocking up on food supplies and water.  Sand bagged a few areas that could flood and got out the oil lamps in case of power outage.  My last house had a back up generator and we don't have that right now so hope the power stays on. 

The surf is getting bigger for those adventure seekers.  Just let me know where you will get in so I can video it. 

Oh snap.

Crazy Chad.  Lets hope folks are prepped and that it won't reach such levels.  Did ya'll see Russian and Navarro River? 

Dang. I get off work at 4:30 on the 11th in Santa Rosa. I will be hitting Hopland about 5:15.... Holy Crap..... I think maybe I better bring my Yak to work....

Hearing the forecast for this storm has me thinking about the flood of 64. I traveled up to Petrolia several times as a kid and I remember seeing the high water signs. 50 years ago in December. Let's hope Mother Nature is kinder and gentler.


I believe this is from Weott. Look way up to see the mark.

Dang. I get off work at 4:30 on the 11th in Santa Rosa. I will be hitting Hopland about 5:15.... Holy Crap..... I think maybe I better bring my Yak to work....

Bring you GoPro also.

Guess ill be commuting in the truch the rest of the week.
Maybe ill get a radio for it...  Maybe

Gear is already. Lets get some real streamflow!

Oh, we're gonna get flow! Over 32,000 cfs forecast in Hopland which is reported to become flooded by dawn on Thursday.

Mendo OES has designated shelters for tonight and begun getting them stocked.

Here is a graphic of the storm coming from offshore and north . .

Todds point a min ago.  The big waves are starting to come in.

I hope all this prep work turned out not to be needed. Topped off all the oil lamps and got them dialed in so the wicks were burning properly. 

As they say, better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Kudos to you for being prepared. I have no doubt we'll end up seeing someone on the news who was unprepared do something dumb that endangers themselves, their family, or others during the storm.

As they say, better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. Kudos to you for being prepared. I have no doubt we'll end up seeing someone on the news who was unprepared do something dumb that endangers themselves, their family, or others during the storm.

You mean like bbq inside the house.