HAPPY CAMP, Calif. — Caltrans District 2 says that it has closed State Route 96 eight miles west of Happy Camp due to active slides in the area.
"Due to the speed at which the debris is entering the roadway and inclement weather possible for the area, the highway is anticipated to remain closed through today (February 1) and will be reassessed Tuesday morning (February 2) when weather conditions may improve," Caltrans said.
This same area saw slides that closed the highway last month. There is a separate active slide on the highway roughly 4 miles west of Happy Camp — currently under 24/7 traffic control with one lane open. Depending on weather conditions, either slide area could change rapidly in the next day or two.
Caltrans said that there is no detour through the area, and drivers are asked to use alternate routes.
"Motorists are advised to choose alternate routes for travel. Please abide by regulatory signs, law enforcement, and Caltrans officials in the area," the agency said. "This closure is necessary for the safety of our crews and for the traveling public. Thank you for your understanding."
TRAFFIC ALERT: Highway 96, approximately 8 miles west of Happy Camp (Siskiyou County), is currently closed due to an active rock/mudslide.
The material on the road is not the problem as much as the debris coming off the hillside at a high rate of speed. pic.twitter.com/1S40b1cVDk
— Caltrans District 2 (@CaltransD2) January 12, 2021
