Del Norte County, Flood Control District declare Lake Earl/Talawah emergency to authorize sandbar breach
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Summary
The board and Flood Control District approved a joint resolution declaring an emergency and directing staff to take measures to alleviate flooding by breaching the sandbar between Lake Earl/Talawah and the Pacific Ocean; supervisors signaled intent to explore a county-level policy on breach thresholds.
The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the Del Norte County Flood Control District adopted a joint resolution declaring an emergency to address rising Lake Earl and Lake Tolowa levels by directing staff to consider breaching the intervening sandbar to relieve flooding.
Board discussion noted repeated incidents of inundation that have affected sewers, water systems and access for emergency responders. Supervisor Wilson urged the board to consider a county policy setting threshold lake levels for future breach requests to reduce repeated emergency action and protect infrastructure.
Why it matters: Staff and supervisors said sandbar breaching is a time-sensitive emergency tool to prevent more widespread infrastructure and property damage when lake levels rise; the resolution authorizes staff to proceed with actions necessary to alleviate flooding and directs coordination with the Flood Control District.
Outcome: Motion to approve the joint resolution passed unanimously; staff will proceed with necessary steps and will consider the board's direction to develop a formal policy on breach triggers.