City prepares for possible flood conditions
With several wet winter storms on the horizon, the city of Susanville is preparing for possible flood conditions.
Jared Hancock, Susanville’s city administrator, issued the following statement regarding the city’s response to the upcoming storms:
As you are probably aware we are expecting a significant amount of rain and snow in the coming days. The peak of the Susan River is estimated to be approximately 11.5 feet at Lassen Street bridge on Sunday afternoon, which is below flood stage and is within a few inches of what we experienced a couple of weeks ago.
There are however some differences in that they are predicting a clear window from Thursday until Saturday afternoon and then heavy snow followed by heavy rain followed by heavy snow.
During the last storm, we saw the river perform well, and we also believe the thinning performed along the river in the last 18 months allowed for smoother flows. With that said, as a result of existing ice and snow, we don’t expect our local drains to perform as well.
The snow followed by rain also has a greater potential to result in increased snow melt and river flows, so we will be using this opportunity to clear some debris from bridges south of town and to cover and sand bag the concrete K rails along Carroll Street as a precautionary measure.
For people concerned about localized flooding we are circulating the following information.
•If you are a city resident, you may purchase sand bags or burlap sacks at your local hardware store or farm supply and fill them yourself. Sand will be available behind the Fire Department at 1505 Main St. If you feel you have an emergency, call 911 and personnel will be dispatched to assess your situation.
•If you are a county resident you must also purchase sand bags or burlap sacks at your local hardware store or farm supply. Sand will be available at Janesville Fire Department (Main Station), Susan River Fire Department (Johnstonville Station), Standish-Litchfield County Yard and the Doyle County Yard. If you feel you have an emergency, call 911 and personnel will be dispatched to assess your situation.
