Six more weeks of Winter according to Phil The Modoc County Vol. 132, No. 46
RECORD Alturas, California
February 6, 2025
Serving Modoc Since 1892
$1.00
14 Pages
Severe Weather Causes Flooding, Road Closures, and Power Outages in Modoc County Severe weather conditions have caused flooding, road closures, and power outages across Modoc County, prompting emergency response efforts from local agencies. Officials warn that more rain is expected, and residents are urged to remain cautious. Modoc County Sheriff’s deputies and the Modoc County Road Department have been working throughout the day to assess conditions, clear culverts of debris, and maintain roadways. Rising water levels have forced multiple road closures, including: • County Roads 198 and 198A (Rush Creek) – Closed to through traffic as crews work in the area. • Jones Lane (off County Road 60 and U.S. Highway 395) – Closed due to flooding as of 12:45 p.m. Monday. • Fandango Pass – Closed on the Cedarville side at County Road 1 and on the Davis Creek/ New Pine Creek side at the Buck Creek Fire Station. Authorities urge drivers to avoid these areas and to use extreme caution on wet or flooded roadways. Pacific Power and Surprise Valley Electric have been working to restore electricity to affected areas. • Power was restored Monday evening to
Cedarville, Steamboat and Eagleville. • Fort Bidwell and Lake City remain without power, though Surprise Valley Electric estimated restoration by 9:30 p.m. Residents can check Surprise Valley Electric’s outage page or its Facebook page for the latest updates. The City of Alturas Public Works Department has issued a public service announcement, advising residents to limit water usage for the next several days. Officials say flooding is affecting the city’s wastewater system, leading to backups in some areas. “With more rain expected, we ask residents to be cautious with the amount of water they are using,” the department said in a statement. Authorities urge residents to report power outages and hazardous conditions and to avoid unnecessary travel in flood-prone areas. • To report a power outage – Call 530-2333511. • For downed power lines – Stay at least 30 feet away and call 530233-3511. • For emergencies – Dial 911 immediately. Local officials continue to monitor the storm and will provide further updates as conditions develop.
Ash Creek in Adin Photo by Insley’s Drone Service LLC, Facebook on February 3rd
Pit River-Canby, CA Insley’s Drone Service LLC, Facebook on February 4th
Historic Barn South of Lakeview Collapses in Snowstorm
Photo by Carmen Dick A well-known and longstanding barn south of Lakeview collapsed over the weekend under the weight of heavy snowfall from the recent winter storm. The barn, which had stood for approximately 70 years, was a familiar sight for residents of Northern California and Southern Oregon. Many locals had speculated for years when the aging structure would finally succumb to the elements. “A sad reminder of the past few days of the big
snowstorm of 2025,” said resident Margie Gray in one Facebook group. “Like losing an old friend. It was one of the first things I remember when we moved here in 1980. It showed its strength and endurance to so many over the years. It fought a good fight.” Many commenters on the post suggested repurposing the barn’s wood for sentimental reasons, noting that people might be willing to pay a significant amount for a piece of the historic structure as a keepsake. However, the
owners have not stated whether they plan to sell or reuse the wood, nor is it clear if the material is in a condition suitable for repurposing, even for something as small as a picture frame. The barn had been a recognizable landmark for decades, serving as a nostalgic piece of the region’s rural history. The loss serves as a reminder of the storm’s impact, which brought snowfall, flooding and difficult conditions to the area.
Photo by Peg Borges Friesen