A member of the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Swiftwater Rescue Team approaches a residence in Freshwater during a flood in December 2025. | Photo: HCSO

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Public safety notice from the California Department of Water Resouces:

Dear Community Members,

With forecasters predicting an historic and potentially record-breaking El Niño season this fall and winter, additional preparation can be especially important. In response to this developing weather pattern, Governor Newsom has officially proclaimed a State of Emergency for California to streamline flood-risk reduction, fast-track local permitting, and pre-position emergency supplies.

To help ensure you and your neighborhood are prepared for potential coastal inundation, heavy rainfall, and localized flooding, please take note of the following local resources:

Hands-On Flood Fight Training (Sept. 30)

The Blue Lake Rancheria Office of Emergency Services is hosting an upcoming, full-day training session to equip local agency staff and community members with essential flood-response skills.

  • Date & Time: September 30, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Location: Powers Creek Community Room, Blue Lake Rancheria
  • Registration: Advance registration is required. You can sign up and find additional emergency planning courses by visiting the Blue Lake Rancheria Flood Fight Training Registration Page.

Register for Emergency Alerts

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) coordinates regional disaster responses and evacuation mapping. They cannot alert you if they cannot reach you.

  • Sign up for Humboldt Alert to receive localized, real-time safety notifications and evacuation orders.
  • Access the alert portal, check live road conditions, look at regional tsunami maps, or build your personal emergency plan via the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services Portal.

Review the State of Emergency Proclamation

The governor’s emergency declaration supercharges statewide preparedness efforts, mobilizing the California National Guard and ordering Caltrans to stage road-clearing equipment along high-risk highway corridors. Local residents are strongly urged to clear residential gutters, map out personal evacuation routes, and stay informed on changing weather patterns.

Check the Elk River Stage Gauge

An Elk River gauge was installed last year through the CalSIP program. Continuous information on river height (stage), temperature, and turbidity. Tracking river height (stage) can be a helpful tool in understanding when specific areas are close to flooding. 

Information can be found on the USGS Elk River Monitoring Location webpage.

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