US-395 closed near Topaz Lodge after mudslide crosses roadway into hotel

UPDATE 5/22 6:35 a.m. :. On May 21, 2018 at approximately 6:38 p.m. East Fork Fire Protection District and Douglas County Emergency Management was dispatched to several reports of massive debris flows across US 395 in several locations in and around the Topaz Lodge and on Topaz Park Road.

The Topaz Lodge was occupied with about 200 people who sheltered in place during the event. West 395 and Topaz Park Road were completely impassable. Approximately 20 occupied motor vehicles were impacted on the roadways, with no reported injuries.

Emergency responders requested a response from NDOT and NHP. Douglass County Sheriff’s Office and Douglas County SAR also responded along with the Douglas County Public Works Road Department. Cal Trans, Mono County EMS, CHP, and Antelope Valley Fire assisted from the California side.

The Topaz Lodge was accessed and people were escorted north on US 395 by NDOT and NHP. Today emergency personnel are doing further assessment to homes and county infrastructure below the lodge and along Topaz Park Road.

The recent Slinkered Fire in the area was the contributing factor to the debris flow, just as the Bison Fire lead to a massive flash flood debris flow in the Fish Springs area several years ago.

Road Closures

US-395 from SR-208 to the Nevada/California state line near Topaz Lake.

Road conditions

http://nvroads.com/

http://www.dot.ca.gov/

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A mudslide has shut down US-395 from State Route 208 to the Nevada/California border. The slide sent mud across the highway and into the Topaz Lodge Monday evening, prompting almost 200 people to move up to the hotel's second floor after mud inundated the first floor.

Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) has over 15 road maintenance professionals on the scene working to remove debris and mud. East Fork Fire, Douglas County Public Works, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and several other state and local emergency responders are also on scene.

Residents in the area are currently sheltering in place.

NDOT is starting to move some of the mud. Heavier equipment is on the way. NDOT has cleared a path on the access road next to highway. The vehicles that are stuck at the Topaz Lodge are getting through northbound at this time with an escort.

Emergency responders are advising people to stay clear of the area.

Debris is up to five feet deep. Highway is currently closed, with no estimated time for reopening. Road conditions: http://NVRoads.com or dial 511.

Douglas County will provide updates on this page: https://nv-douglascounty2.civicplus.com/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=Topaz-Mudslide-111