Wet conditions in Downieville on Friday morning
SIERRA COUNTY — The County experienced a significant winter storm starting Tuesday, during which the Yuba Pass experienced around a foot of snow. Conditions quickly warmed, keeping Highway 49 clear. However, rain continues to fall, and a second colder storm front is expected to develop into the weekend. Gold Lake Highway is considered impassable and is not being plowed by Sierra County.
A Winter Storm Warning goes into effect today at 4 PM, ending on Tuesday, November 26th, at 4 PM. Snow level is expected to begin at 6,000’, dropping to as low as 4,500’ over the weekend. More than a foot of snow is expected at the pass, and wind gusts may reach 50 mph. Though no snow is expected in Downieville, the rain will continue through Tuesday evening.
Additionally, a flood warning has been issued for the east side of Sierra County and north into Plumas and Lassen Counties. The National Weather Services states, “Minor flooding possible along low-lying areas near the Susan River in and downstream of Susanville, as well as near other creeks, streams, [and] urban areas. Rock and debris may cover roads, especially near or below recent burn areas.” Communities affected may include Sierraville, Stampede Reservoir, Verdi, Beckwourth, Graeagle, and Chilcoot. The warning is in effect until noon on Saturday.
High river flow on the North Yuba River, viewed from Durgan Bridge in Downieville
According to the US Geological Survey, water flow on the North Yuba River at Goodyears Bar jumped to 1550 cfs (cubic feet per second) on Thursday after heavy rains, equaling flow rates seen in April and May of this year (when the river was at its highest). This morning, the flow calmed to roughly 800 cfs, still six times greater than on Wednesday.