By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
The largest in a series of rainstorms that drenched Southern California with steady rainfall on Thursday, Feb. 13 left dozens of motorists stranded on Highway 330 between Running Springs and the city of Highland late in the day. A torrential downpour, propelled by what weather forecasters are calling an Atmospheric River, unleased several major rockslides and mudflows across the busy artery used every day by hundreds of residents, skiers, snowboarders and other winter sports enthusiasts.
As much as seven inches of rainfall reportedly fell on the East Highland burn scars left by last fall’s so-called Line Fire and produced enough mud and debris to begin pushing vehicles off of the heavily mud-encrusted highway shortly after 7 p.m.
Highway 330 (SR-330), as it passes one of many Line Fire burn scars, was flooded with rocks, mud and debris. (Photo: Caltrans)
According to online California Highway Patrol (CHP) reports, at least three vehicles – a white GMC pickup, a Subaru and a grey Mercedes-Benz – were left stranded in as much as three to four feet of mud, with drivers and passengers still inside.
A man and his wife were able to free themselves from their car, while a crew from the San Bernardino County Fire Department was able to rescue the remaining drivers and passengers on Thursday evening.
CHP Public Information Officer Devin Julien-Rohman confirmed on Friday, Feb. 14 that at least three vehicles were stuck in three to four feet of mud in a washout at the so-called “Dollar Bill Curve” on Highway 330. “Caltrans has contractors coming today with skip loaders to remove the vehicles,” he said.
SR-330 was closed to through traffic on Feb. 13 due to continuing rock and debris spills. (Photo: Caltrans)
Caltrans maintenance and contractor crews showed up at the scene on Friday to begin removing the heavy debris from postmile 34.60 to 35.70, near Old City Creek Road. The storm had caused damage such as culvert blockage, slope erosion and heavy rockfall and debris flow. Through engineer assessment, it was decided that crews would need to repair and reestablish all high bank berms, clear-cut side embankments, clean culverts, drain overfilled basins, repair guardrails and work on slope stabilization in areas that have been impacted by heavy erosion. Caltrans officials said the highway is closed from the junction of I-210 in Highland to Live Oak Drive, near Running Springs.
At press time on Monday, Feb. 17 it was learned that Highway 330 will remain closed until Monday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. In the meantime, through traffic is being rerouted to Highway 18 from San Bernardino and Highway 38 from Mentone.
“My advice,” said Officer Julien-Rohman, “is, as soon as they reopen the 330 to through traffic, be mindful of rockslides and always carry chains during winter weather, as well as drinking water, snacks, warm clothing and blankets and a first aid kit. Also, don’t turn on your flashing emergency warning lights, unless there’s a reason for it and, if you are going slow, pull over and let those who are following you pass.”
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