Winter Weather Update

March 14, 2023

The Yurok Office of Emergency Services wants reservation residents to be aware of potential safety hazards that may occur as a result of the heavy rain and high winds.

This morning, the Eureka branch of the National Weather Service issued a Flood Watch and Wind Advisory for Northern Humboldt County. “Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks,” according to the NWS. The flood watch will remain in effect until late Tuesday night. Flooding may damage local roads. South winds are expected to reach 20 to 30 miles per hour with gusts as high as 50 mph.

Please keep a look out for standing water in the road, new potholes and landslides. The constant rain has saturated forest soils. The combination of wet soil and high winds increases the potential for falling trees, which presents risks to local homes, roads and culverts. If you see a plugged culvert or road damage on Highway 169, please report it to Caltrans. If the issue is on tribal road, please call your local tribal office. If it is a Humboldt County road, please call (707) 445-742. For emergencies, please call 911. Bald Hills Road is still closed and there is no ETA for reopening.

The Yurok Tribal Council issued an emergency declaration in response to the extensive storm damage on the reservation. The declaration mobilized the Tribe’s emergency response team. Today, the team is out assessing reservation roads and addressing any hazards that may arise. The team is also delivering bottled water to those on the Wautec water system. This morning, the Yurok Public Utilities Department issued a boil-water notice for the system, due to turbidity.

Yurok OES reminds everyone to check in on elders and neighbors. If you need assistance due to the severe winter storms, please call Yurok Health and Human Services at (707) 951-6631. If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

In the past two weeks, the emergency response team has delivered water, firewood and propane to those in need. The Tribe also hired a crew to cut firewood for those in need.

Additionally, an emergency supply of diapers, baby formula and wipes, as well as good and gas cards, were distributed at the Weitchpec office. The emergency response team has also staged resources in strategic areas.

Additional resources are available to families with children impacted by the storms. The Yurok Tribal Child Welfare and Behavioral Health Department is offering the following emergency resources:

Available today and next week in Weitchpec:

• 50 x $50 Pek-tah gas cards are available

• 35 x $50 Chevron

• 20 x $100 Grocery Outlet Cards

Available today:

• 10 x $100 Hoopa Shopping Center

For Klamath (available on Monday):

• 50 x $50 Pem-Mey

• 35 x $50 Shell Station

The staff will coordinate with families in the Weitchpec area to either pick up at the Tulley Creek tribal office or have a card delivered to the family. Please call Yurok Health and Human Services Department to request emergency assistance at 1-707-951-6631.