Plumas sheriff issues slide warning for western part of Feather River Canyon

PLUMAS COUNTY, Calif. — The Plumas County Sheriff's Office issued a landslide warning late Thursday night for western part of Feather River Canyon.

The PCSO said the emergency message alert comes in anticipation of the upcoming rainfall and major landslide risks on State Route 70.

"This is an emergency message from the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office for the western part of the Feather River Canyon," the agency wrote on Facebook. "There is a very high probability that the significant rainfall currently falling will cause a major landslide that will completely close Highway 70 near Pulga."If you chose to stay, emergency services may not be able to reach you for some time," they said.

Since landslides have already closed Highway 70 near Rush Creek, officials strongly encouraged people to leave the area to avoid being trapped between slides. The Code Red Weather Warning was reiterated by Caltrans District 2 on Facebook Friday morning.

The PCSO said residents can call or text 911 if needed, but they they choose to stay in that area, first responders may not be able to get to them quickly.

In response to the severe weather, Plumas County created a new Emergency Information and Resource page on its website for the community to use. Click here to be directed to the county emergency alerts and resources.

A Winter Storm Warning remained in effect until 10 a.m. Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.

Heavy snow and high winds are possible in Western Plumas County/Lassen Park and West Slope, and the Northern Sierra Nevada including Interstate 80 over Donner Pass, as well as Highway 50 over Echo Summit.

Travel could be very difficult to impossible in those areas, with blowing snow that could significantly reduce visibility, according to the NWS. Very strong winds could also cause extensive tree damage, officials said.

To aid in the rapid response to recent storms, California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a State of Emergency in several counties, including Plumas County.