Massive Mudslide Closes Highway 395

From Sierra Wave: Massive Mudslide Closes Highway 395

Thursday afternoon water, mud and debris rushed down a canyon in the Sierra over Highway 395 in the Dunmovin' area south of Olancha. A big rig was washed off the highway. 395 remained closed as Caltrans organized a major clean-up effort.


Traffic was backed up in both directions. In late afternoon, there was no estimate of when the highway would re-open or if a detour would be available. Caltrans Director Tom Hallenbeck said that it was estimated that a four-foot wall of mud and debris had washed onto the highway. He said the personnel on scene estimated 200 yards of the 4-foot deep mud slide blocked the highway.

Motorists stuck in the long line of traffic called the Sierra Wave to say water was still running across the road. Officials said a mudslide was still moving across the highway. An extended closure was expected. There was no immediate plan for a detour, and a report also came in that Highway 190 was washed out and closed.