FYI
bigsurkate

Dear All,

Yesterday, afternoon, Congressman Jimmy Panetta convened a meeting, via conference call, with key stakeholders and county and state elected officials who represent our area.  Participants included Senator Bill Monning, Aline Reyna, District Representative for Assembly Member Anna Caballero, Monterey County Supervisor Mary Adams,  Monterey County Sheriff, NOAA, retired US Congressman Sam Farr, and representatives from Caltrans, California Office of Emergency Services (OES), Monterey County Administrative Office and Office of Emergency Services, United States Forest Service, California Department of State Parks and Recreation (CDOR), CHP, Chief Karstens-Big Sur Volunteer Fire Brigade, Butch Kronlund/CPOA, Cyril Chappellet/Rancho Rico, and myself and other agency/elected official staff representatives.

This email is intended to provide a summary of key points and as most participants were on phones, there were spotty and often problematic connections – in short any errors, omissions, or mischaracterizations are my responsibility as I am not referring to an independent transcript of this meeting.

Caltrans District 5 Deputy Director for Maintenance Operations, Sara von Schwind provided briefing on current conditions/outlook for Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge (PCB) and closures on south coast:

PCB at post mile marker 45.5 is 316’ long

Strong possibility that northern abutment could also be compromised by the landslide

Caltrans needs drilling rig on site to accurately map slide plane – hoping to have drilling rig on site by Tuesday, February 21, 2017

PCB structure continuing to move.  From Thursday to Friday it moved one additional degree out of alignment (4 degrees to 5 degrees)

PCB showed additional indications of damage associated with vehicle movement during Wednesday convoys

Normal for landslides to continue moving up to 30 days after rains end

Not optimistic that bridge will be able to be re-opened to pedestrian or vehicle traffic

Detour analysis is being conducted for both pedestrian and/or vehicle traffic

Structural analysis focusing on repair, rebuild, temporary structure (i.e. Bailey Bridge) options

Span length considered to be too long for a Bailey Bridge option

Lack of sufficient soil stability on north and south ends of bridge make placement of a shorter bridge up canyon problematic

Detour discussions included analysis of old haul road, used in the 1964-65 construction of the current bridge, looking at CDPR property down canyon, and private property (Rancho Rico) up canyon:

Haul Road -Landslide making old haul road route problematic, if not impossible.

Southern end of old haul road compromised by older landslide and small creek

CDPR trail options – Due to concerns about debris flows coming down Pfeiffer Canyon and Post Creek during inclement weather, analysis of potential trail options by CDPR will be done after rains stop and area dries out

Rancho Rico trail options – under consideration, Chappellet family wishes to be of assistance, but has to evaluate impacts on fragile and currently damaged road structure on Rancho Rico and liability issues

New south Coast closure at Chimney Slide, just south of Limekiln State Park at post mile marker 20.0

No Caltrans equipment in northern enclave (PCB to Big Creek)

Caltrans currently in maintenance mode, not yet requesting permits for “permanent” fixes/projects until conditions stabilize.  Primary condition for stabilization is dry out period sufficient for earth movement to stop causing additional closures/hazards

In response to Senator Monning query about best guess on when road would again be open, Sara replied that on the south end it might be a couple of months and hopefully one week for locals, with the caveat that conditions on the ground stabilize and current weather systems do not create new closures or expand existing ones.  All time estimates were couched with many caveats given tremendous uncertainty about continued impacts of ongoing weather events.   No estimate offered on north end as analysis on landslide plane, structural integrity of bridge ongoing along with evaluation of possible by pass options – all of which are affected by ongoing weather events.

Gerry Malais, Monterey County Director of Emergency Services, briefed group on emergency operational planning:

Medical evacuation by air support approved by State OES

Re-supply by air support not approved by State OES at this time

Senator Monning – Offered his assistance in facilitating rapid unemployment insurance support for displaced employees and requested that his office be provided with names of all employees seeking to apply for unemployment insurance.  Big Sur Chamber and CPOA will work on developing that data to submit to Senator Monning’s office.

Congressman Panetta – Next week’s BSMAAC meeting to be cancelled but will continue to convene stakeholder meeting process on Highway 1 closure weekly until further notice

Photos from yesterday of (L-R): 1-5) Mud Creek (PM 8.8), ) and 6) Plaskett  Creek (PM 13.79)

*LOCALS MAY TRAVEL DURING DAYTIME HOURS ONLY BETWEEN RAGGED PT. AND JUST SOUTH OF MUD CREEK (PM 8.8) AS MUD CREEK IS IMPASSABLE DUE TO CONTINUED SLIDE ACTIVITY YESTERDAY AND TODAY—MORE SLIDE MATERIAL CAME DOWN JUST NORTH OF SALMON CREEK (PM 3) .

*IMPORTANT NOTE TO LOCALS: SEVERAL DAYS OF RAIN ARE ANTICIPATED TO CONTINUE THROUGH NEXT WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22. DUE TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE WILL REMAIN FULLY CLOSED, INCLUDING TO PEDESTRIAN AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. THE NEXT BRIDGE INSPECTION WILL BE MADE EITHER ON TUESDAY, FEB. 21 OR WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22,  AFTER THE RAIN, BUT IT IS NOT LIKELY THE BRIDGE WILL RE-OPEN.

*BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN*

Another update regarding the Highway 1 Big Sur Coast will be provided around mid-morning tomorrow, Sunday, Feb. 19.

NOTE: For information on emergency services for the Big Sur Coast, you may contact Gerry Malais, Mon. Co. OES via email at: malaisg@co.monterey.ca.us or Maia Carroll, Mon. Co. OES PIO at carrollm@co.monterey.ca.us or via phone at (831) 796-3092.

Susana Z. Cruz

Caltrans District 5

Acting Manager

Public Information Office

Note: as of Sunday, 2/19/17 at 12 pm, the road is closed again for clearing of debris until 4 pm.

Detail Information
7:30 AM 2 [6] PER DUPE RP, VEHS ARE TURING AROUND AND DONT KNOW WHERE TO GO
7:14 AM 1 [1] MUD SLIDE 1125 ENTIRE RD / FIRE ENRT

Thanks to the CHP officer who escorted me to the slide to take this photo.  He said that Monterey County Public Works received the call at 7:30 am and they are en route. They are also concerned about the electrical pole in the second photo – condition to be determined by PG&E.  Photos taken at 10 am by lucasryancv.

And, Kate’s internet is still out.  I’ll post updates for her when they become available.

Updated picture of the slide cleared:

Today was horrific everywhere. The winds here were over 70 mph, and it rained more than 5 and 1/2″ down here on the South Coast. These photos from Cal Trans were taken yesterday. I can only imagine how bad it is today. There is a large redwood down across Plaskett down below Sunshine Alley, and I don’t imagine it can be cut through until I can reach the USFS on Monday, but will try to send an email tonight. I have been without Satellite Internet all day, and the cell reception has been horrific to non-existent until tonight, so will post this now. Hoping the satellite is working tomorrow.

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Photos from yesterday of (L-R): Mud Creek (PM 8.8), Chimney Slide (PM 20), Limekiln (PM 21.3), the berm above Paul’s Slide (PM 21.6) and the last two photos are of Cow Cliffs (PM 28.35)

*NEW INFORMATION*— State Route 1 continues to be closed between Ragged Pt. (SLO 72.87)
and Pfeiffer Cyn Bridge(PM 45.5).

Motorists may travel north on State Route 1 from Cambria to Ragged
Point (SLO PM 72.87) or south from Carmel to Pfeiffer Cyn. Bridge (PM
45.5)

*LOCALS MAY TRAVEL DURING DAYTIME HOURS ONLY BETWEEN RAGGED PT. AND JUST SOUTH OF MUD CREEK (PM 8.8) AS MUD CREEK IS IMPASSABLE DUE TO MORE SLIDE ACTIVITY YESTERDAY AND TODAY.

*IMPORTANT NOTE TO LOCALS: SEVERAL DAYS OF RAIN ARE ANTICIPATED TO CONTINUE THROUGH NEXT WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22. DUE TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE WILL REMAIN FULLY CLOSED, INCLUDING TO PEDESTRIAN AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. THE NEXT BRIDGE INSPECTION WILL BE MADE EITHER ON TUESDAY, FEB. 21 OR WEDNESDAY, FEB. 22, AFTER THE RAIN, BUT IT IS NOT LIKELY THE BRIDGE WILL RE-OPEN.

*BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN* [Businesses north of the bridge, although there were lines and a tree down just north of Captain Cooper School, and given  the 20K people without power on the Peninsula today, I don’t know that this was cleared.]

Another update regarding the Highway 1 Big Sur Coast will be provided around mid-morning tomorrow, Saturday, Feb. 18.

NOTE: For information on emergency services for the Big Sur Coast, you may contact Gerry Malais, Mon. Co. OES via email at: malaisg@co.monterey.ca.us or Maia Carroll, Mon. Co. OES PIO at carrollm@co.monterey.ca.us or via phone at (831) 796-3092.

Susana Z. Cruz nature-flower-blue-motif[1]
Caltrans District 5
Acting Manager
Public Information Office

There are 105 – count ’em – 105! Traffic hazard incidents listed on CHP log. I haven’t gone through them yet, been fighting with my internet and haven’t even had coffee yet this am. But the following are personal reports from our area:

Just got a report of downed trees and power lines about 1/4 mile north of Captain Cooper School. No estimated time of opening.

Also, Laureles Grade is closed and Fire is turning people around.

It is howling like a mofo up here, 70 mph plus gusts. Just stay home today, okay?

Of course, this is in addition to all the closures of Highway One.

My Internet is in and out today.  I’ll update once it’s stable.

Images provided by www.ventusky.com

I have been informed there is a new slide between Paul’s Slide and Limekiln, would not be surprised, but haven’t been able to confirm.

Okay, there seems to be a lot of “rumbling” going on about this issue of being stranded. I am getting posts from anonymous people who, fortunately, have to be moderated so I can catch them. I am being called names like “heartless bitch” as if I am the one making these decisions re road closure, State Park closures, etc. I am simply reporting them. Please, just as in the fire, remember that who we are as a community is kind, helpful, prepared and hearty. We do disaster better than any community I know. I posted some of this on FB, but feel the need to share with a wider audience.

It has been less than 24 hours since the bridge was shut down, and we won’t get another report until after this series of storms passes. Lots of frustration and anger is bubbling up, just as it did during various times during the fire. I understand your frustration, I do, but don’t take it out on me, the community, or the agencies trying to help.  For a week, Cal Trans has tried to work with people, inspecting the bridge several times a day, openin it up to solo vehicle crossings or pedestrian crossings, so they could get out and back in, or get out and stay out, to get their cars out, get supplies back in. I don’t know what else they could have done. Those who elected to stay within the closure need to realize it was a choice they made, and hopefully they prepared for that choice. I hope that the frustration takes into account that ALL of those south of the bridge made a choice and it is time to relax and enjoy the solitude. If there is a medical emergency, call 911 and arrange for a helicopter out. Stay calm and carry on. I will do so as well.

Oh, the blessings? We got our Big Sur back in all her glory … we have a front row seat to her beauty and awe. We got this, we really do.

*NEW INFORMATION*— State Route 1 continues to be closed between Ragged Pt. (SLO 72.87)
and Pfeiffer Cyn Bridge(PM 45.5).

FURTHER DETERIORATION DUE TO SLIDE MOVEMENT AND FRACTURES ON BRIDGE COLUMN, PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE COMPLETELY CLOSED YESTERDAY, FEB. 15 TO EVERYONE (PEDESTRIANS, VEHICLES AND EMERGENCY SERVICES) AS OF 5 PM

Motorists may travel north on State Route 1 from Cambria to Ragged
Point (SLO PM 72.87) or south from Carmel to Pfeiffer Cyn. Bridge (PM
45.5)

*LOCALS MAY TRAVEL DURING DAYTIME HOURS ONLY BETWEEN RAGGED PT. AND LIMEKILN (PM 21.3), BUT NOT LIKELY HAVE ACCESS TOMORROW, DUE TO EXPECTED STORM.

*IMPORTANT NOTE TO LOCALS: SEVERAL DAYS OF RAIN ARE ANTICIPATED BEGINNING TODAY THURSDAY, FEB. 16. DUE TO SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, PFEIFFER CANYON BRIDGE WILL REMAIN FULLY CLOSED, INCLUDING TO PEDESTRIAN AND EMERGENCY SERVICES. THE NEXT BRIDGE INSPECTION WILL BE MADE ON TUESDAY, FEB. 21 AFTER THE RAIN, BUT IT IS NOT LIKELY THE BRIDGE WILL RE-OPEN.

*BUSINESSES REMAIN OPEN* [I would add SOME businesses, particularly those north of the bridge are open. Nepenthe is closed, Post Ranch is closed, the taphouse is trying to stay open for the locals; Treebones is closed, Plaskett Campground, Kirk Creek Campground, etc. are all closed on the South Coast, and these are just the ones I have heard about. I am sure there are more.]

Another update regarding the Highway 1 Big Sur Coast will be provided around noontime tomorrow, Friday, Feb. 17.

Susana Z. Cruz nature-flower-blue-motif[1]
Caltrans District 5
Acting Manager
Public Information Office

Lots of speculation and rumors about walking trails to avoid the bridge, and have nothing but rumors (and lots of requests) re a west side option (the “old” bypass is as threatened as the bridge, so not possible) and a path through Rancho Rico would be a private option, if even possible, but this is the official word from State Park re the east side option:

“I have heard a great deal of talk these last few days about the possibility of finding an alternate path downhill of the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge and through the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park campground. I’d like to take a moment to address this.

State Parks has and continues to be a supportive partner here in the Big Sur Community. Through the years, we’ve housed fire camp through several major wildfires, provided space for community meetings, participated in multiagency trainings, participated in fundraisers, etc. We’ve demonstrated flexibility and initiative when safe and appropriate. We are providing parking at the Pine Ridge parking lot for those trapped on the other side of the bridge. We recognize the plight of our community members and would like to offer help in ways that we are capable of providing.

We have also entertained the potential of finding an alternate path around the bridge but ultimately we have rejected this as a workable plan. All potential avenues would take the public through areas ravaged by instability. The creeks that flow down from Ventana Inn or Pfeiffer canyon into the Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park campground have resulted in massive debris flows these last several years resulting in significant damage to park infrastructure and the Pine Ridge Trail. These debris flows continue with every storm we encounter. Any path around the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge leading to the campground would lead people directly into these dangerous areas. The north slope of Pfeiffer Canyon and the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge itself are all poised to come down directly into the campground and into the path of foot traffic should we allow access. We find this to be an unacceptable risk. We are taking this situation very seriously and consider it life-threatening.

Trailblazing is not permitted or advised. People found within Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park will be subject to citation or arrest. The relevant code section is Penal Code 409.5(c) – entering a disaster area, a misdemeanor. We do not relish the thought of citing our fellow community members but we do what we must to keep others safe.

For anyone thinking of entering these lands, please consider the tax on resources you would be causing if you sustain an injury. Our responding agencies are already spread dangerously thin.

Thank you for your thoughtful consideration.

Matthew Khalar
Supervising State Park Ranger
Big Sur Sector- Monterey District”