Substantial flooding will continue on the valley floor in the wake of the recent storm as runoff cascades off the foothills and mountains.
Although showers and mountain snow continue today, most of the danger has passed.
Scores of valley roads were closed yesterday as flood waters rose. Six people were rescued in Butte County after their vehicles were inundated along Honcut Road.
Evacuations were ordered near Woodland yesterday evening as Cache Creek Flooding was reported.
Water may continue rising in some places. The Bureau of Reclamation announced it was more than tripling releases from Keswick Dam north of Redding to 25,000 cubic feet per second by early this afternoon. Officials are dumping water now to create capacity behind the dam. They’ll need it if March proves especially stormy.
Operators of the Oroville Dam may face a similar decision in coming weeks as the lake level climbs. Operational plans call for opening the head-gates and pressing the newly rebuilt spillway into service if the lake rises another 50 feet before the end of March.
Scores of main and secondary roads across the valley remain closed due to flooding. Authorities warn drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways. Water may appear deceptively shallow but can still wash vehicles off of roads.
Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in 21 counties, including Shasta, Tehama, Trinity and Yolo.