Evacuation Warning Issued For Russian River Area

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office issued an evacuation warning Wednesday evening for the Russian River area from unincorporated Healdsburg to Jenner.

As of 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, the city of Healdsburg had not issued any evacuation warnings for any evacuation zones within the city limits.

Evacuation Warning From the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office:

"This is an evacuation warning for residents living near the Russian River and its tributaries from Healdsburg to Jenner. Affected evacuation zones are listed below.

"The current forecast predicts the river will crest at 33 feet on Thursday night, January 5, into the early hours on Friday, January 6. The river is predicted to recede below flood stage on Friday afternoon. However, the river is predicted to flood again at 40 feet the night of Sunday, January 8, into Monday, January 9. The flooding predictions may change as the storm progresses.

"For your safety, prepare to leave the areas below the 40-foot flood level along the Russian River.

"Be sure to take essential items, such as medicines with you. If you live above the 40-foot level, your access may be reduced or eliminated due to flood waters."

For additional information, call 2-1-1 or visit www.socopsa.org

These zones are under evacuation warning:

Evacuation Zone: SON-1E2 - Jenner, the north side of Duncans Mills, and west Cazadero

• North of the Russian River
• South of Fort Ross Road
• East of Meyers Grade Road and the coastline
• West of Cazadero Highway

Evacuation Zone: SON-1F4 - Guerneville, Guernwood, and Northwood

• North and West of the Russian River
• South of Kohute Gulch and Old Cazadero Road
• East of Cazadero Highway

Evacuation Zone: SON-1F3 - Guerneville

• North of the Russian River
• South of Watson Road and Livereau Creek (the creek)
• East of Old Cazadero Road and Hubert Creek
• West of Armstrong Woods Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-1G1 - Rio Nido and Korbel

• North of the Russian River
• South of Sweetwater Springs Road
• East of Armstrong Woods Road
• West of McPeak Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-1G2 - Hacienda

• North and West of the Russian River
• South of Sweetwater Springs Road
• East of McPeak Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-2K1 - Unincorporated south Healdsburg

• North and East of Dry Creek (the creek)
• South of Westside Road
• West of Highway 101 and the Russian River

Evacuation Zone: SON-2K2 - Northern Russian River Valley

• North of Sweetwater Springs Road
• South and East of Westside Road
• West of the Russian River

Evacuation Zone: SON-2K3 - Unincorporated north Windsor

• North of Windsor River Road
• South and West of Highway 101
• East of the Russian River
• West of the Windsor town limits

Evacuation Zone: SON-4A1 - Riverfront Regional Park

• North of River Road
• South of Windsor River Road
• East of the Russian River
• West of Eastside Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-4B1 - Forestville

• North of Highway 116 and Travis Road
• South of River Road
• East of Martinelli Road
• West of Malone Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-1J1 - Summer Home Park, north side of Pocket Canyon and Drake Road

• North and East of Highway 116
• South of the Russian River
• West of Martinelli Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-1J2 - Bohemian Grove, Mays Canyon and Camp Meeker

• North of Morelli Lane
• South of the Russian River and Highway 116
• East of Bohemian Highway
• West of Green Valley Road and Harrison Grade Road

Evacuation Zone: SON-1J3 - Monte Rio, Casini Campground and west of Bohemian Highway

• North of Willow Creek Road
• South of the Russian River
• East of Freezeout Creek (the creek)
• West of Bohemian Highway

Evacuation Zone: SON-1H1 - Goat Rock and Pomo Campground

• North of Wright Hill Road
• South of the Russian River and Willow Creek Road
• East of the coastline
• West of Pomo Campground

Evacuation Zone: SON-1H2 - Freezeout Road area

• North and East of Willow Creek Road
• South of the Russian River
• West of Freezeout Creek

"An evacuation warning means there is a threat in the area," officials with the County of Sonoma said. "Be prepared to leave if an evacuation order is issued for your area. If you feel unsafe, do not wait for an evacuation order, leave immediately."

• Gather essential items now to be ready to go.
• Check your neighbors to see if they need assistance evacuating.
• Continue to monitor local media, social media and be sure you are signed up for alerts.

"For your safety Thursday, prepare to leave the areas below the 33-foot flood level in the lower Russian River area," county officials said. "Be sure to take essential items, such as medicines with you. If you live above the 33-foot level, your access may be reduced or restricted."

Visit https://socoemergency.org/emergency/evacuation-zones/ to see if your property is included in the evacuation warning zone.

For those in need of shelter, the county has opened an emergency shelter in the E.C. Kraft Building at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, in Santa Rosa. Cots and comfort kits will be supplied by the American Red Cross of the North Bay, and mental health services will be available from the Sonoma County Department of Health Services. Pets are allowed. Masks will be required inside the shelter, a requirement by the state Department of Public Health to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

The county also will provide assistance for those who need help moving an RV or other vehicle out of the evacuation warning zone. For information about assistance in relocating vehicles, call 707-565-2454. People living in nontraditional housing conditions are advised to move to higher elevations if they are located in low-lying areas.

According to the county, current weather conditions and soil saturation levels are creating conditions for mudslides – rivers of mud that move fast and with little to no warning. Mudslides usually occur when water rapidly accumulates on steep slopes, which results in a surge of water-saturated rock, earth, and debris.

As water carries debris downhill, material can get trapped behind roads and structures, causing washouts. The potential for these conditions are prominent throughout the hillside neighborhoods in the Russian River region. Areas that burned in the 2020 Glass fire east of Santa Rosa are particularly vulnerable to mudslides, the county said.