LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — Heavy rain on Monday led to flooding in parts of Lake County as well as road slipouts and closures.
The National Weather Service had a flooding advisory in place most of the day due to concerns about the impacts of more rain on already saturated ground.
The service’s weather observations showed that rainfall totals across Lake County ranged as high as 3 inches in Whispering Pines on Cobb Mountain.
Rainfall totals in inches for the 24-hour period ending at 12:30 a.m. Tuesday are as follows:
• Elk Mountain: 2.87.
• Kelseyville: 1.98.
• Knoxville Creek: 1.39.
• Lake Pillsbury: 2.25.
• Lyons Valley: 2.16.
• Middletown: 2.29.
• North Cow Mountain: 2.48.
• Upper Lake: 2.40.
• Whispering Pines: 3.00.
The United States Geological Survey said the level of Clear Lake on Monday topped 6 feet Rumsey, the special measure for Clear Lake. The lake level on Jan. 5, 2025, was 5.93 feet Rumsey.
The county of Lake reported Monday evening that it “is actively responding to the impacts of significant rainfall affecting our communities today.”
The report on the county’s Facebook page said that, due to the volume of rain, portions of local sewer systems have been overwhelmed.
“The Special Districts team has deployed pumpers to relieve system pressure and reduce the risk of further impacts. The Environmental Health team is in close and ongoing communication with Special Districts and is actively monitoring conditions to protect public health,” the county reported.
Officials confirmed three sewer spill locations discharging into Cache Creek. “Based on current conditions the creek is flowing into the lake,” the county reported.
“Out of an abundance of caution residents are advised to avoid contact with creek water standing water or areas near storm drains during and immediately following storm conditions,” the report said, asking that anyone who sees sewage, wastewater or unusual discoloration in waterways should report it to Lake County Special Districts at 707-263-0119.
The saturated conditions led to issues on roadways throughout the county on Monday.
There were numerous reports of slideouts as well as roadway flooding.
On Monday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol reported flooding over one lane of Highway 20 at Bartlett Springs Road between Nice and Lucerne.
The Lake County Public Works’ Roads Division reported on several road closures in effect due to conditions.
They include, as of late Monday afternoon:
• Clearlake Oaks: Mesa drive, closed to all traffic from Stubbs.
• Hidden Valley Lake: Spruce Grove Road Extension, closed near USS Liberty Lane (Quarry Road) due to a road slipout.
• Kelseyville: The Bell Hill Road low water crossing is closed to all traffic due to water over the roadway.
• Lakeport: Scotts Valley Road is closed from Hendricks Road/Eickhoff Road back towards Lakeport on the straight stretch (English Lane). Soda Bay Road has flooding between Big Valley Road and S. Main Street, with flooding signs up, and it may change to a full closure.
• Middletown: The Dry Creek Cutoff’s low water crossing is now closed for the season. Socrates Mine Road is down to one lane at MPM 2.4, below Lincoln Rock, due to a slipout. K-rail and stop signs were set to be installed on Monday. This will be a long term lane closure.
Email Elizabeth Larson at
How to resolve AdBlock issue? 



