Russian River in Sonoma County Reaches Flood Stage

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- The California Nevada River Forecast Center forecasts the Russian River reached its peak at 2 p.m. on Jan. 11, cresting at 37.7 feet. The forecast also indicates that the river will remain at flood stage until 8 p.m. on Jan. 12.

The County issued advisory evacuation notices to the low-lying areas of Monte Rio and Guerneville on the afternoon of Jan. 8, and those evacuation notices remain in effect. Recent flood modeling predicts that about 650 households are impacted when the Russian River reaches 38 feet. This includes locations with flooding anywhere on the property, and those cut off from services, as well as those with utilities issues, like impacts to wells and septic systems.

Evacuees in need of shelter should call 2-1-1.

The county also advises those near flowing bodies of water to be on the lookout of unstable soils washing down ravines or creeks, because as the waters carry debris downhill, they can get trapped behind roads and structures, causing washouts and landslides that threaten buildings and people. The potential for these conditions are prominent throughout the hillside neighborhoods in the Russian River region.

Anyone experiencing such conditions are advised to report the conditions to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office at (707) 565-2121. Or, if it's an emergency, call 9-1-1.

Storm images via Al Francis-NapaSonomaPhotos.com