Major Storm LUCIFER to Hit Southern California

What a pity.

We still have a ways to go before it gets as bad as the Great Flood of 1862.

(but who knows…it ain’t over yet)

Sacramento used to flood so often, they finally rebuilt downtown Sacramento (now called Old Sacramento) two stories above ground level. You can still walk the tunnels under the streets to see the old street level. Though maybe not right now.

It’s raining so hard, the rain is dripping through the vent in the ceiling of my bathroom.

Sadly I did not.

Actually, the storm hit mostly north of us and we saw little more than half an inch of rain and a few trees were knocked over. Far more damage was done in Northern California than the south. I used to bike the Coyote Creek trail (San Jose) all the time and it barely rated a trickle. Sad that they built up that whole area if the dam really isn’t stable.

Lake Berryessa brim full for first time since May 2006 (cite).

Water level full up to the “Glory Hole” (Photos).

(What it’s looked like for a long long time, for comparison.)

Here is a picture of Anderson Dam spilling over the top. It’s pretty impressive. I understand there’s been flooding downstream and some water rescues. Highway 101 was closed at one point. I don’t know if it still is.

Picture from SF Gate

I read an article this morning about nine reservoirs that drain into Lake Oroville, and since only three of them are managed by the state Department of Water Resources, they aren’t really paying attention to them. They’re all reaching maximum load and will have to start draining downstream and into Lake Oroville, for the Dam to have to contend with.

Still is. Fortunately the south bound section is open, which is the major commute direction. Coyote Creek crested at leasts a foot higher than any recorded record in the past. Water was chest high in some residential areas. At least 2 days before the water recedes.

What a disaster!!

And it looks like more rain on Sat - Tues.

I’m glad I don’t have a trip up the coast on Hwy 1 planned for this summer. The Pfeifer Canyon Bridge has moved seven inches and is unrepairable.

That’s not good.

I-80 between Sacramento and Reno is closed due to snow. Highway 50 between Sacramento and Lake Tahoe is closed because the road is crumbling. You can’t get there from here.

Update… Highway 1: Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge condemned

Not good news for travelers or businesses on that stretch of the coast.

It took them 4 years to complete the Pitkins Curve bridge and rock shed further south on Highway 1.