[UPDATE 9:28 a.m.: Road Open!] Slide Blocks Both Lanes of Highway 36 Near Swain’s Flat Outpost; Power Lines Down

A slide has rendered both lanes of Highway 36 impassable just west of Swain’s Flat Outpost late Monday afternoon, according to reports from the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and local sources.

The incident was first reported around 5:44 p.m. when debris came down from the bluffs, blocking the roadway. Locals in the area report that power lines are sparking near the slide, adding to the hazard. Both lanes are currently blocked, and drivers are advised to avoid the area until further notice.

Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) crews are en route to address the power line issues. Caltrans has also been notified and is working to assess and clear the roadway.

We have reached out to Caltrans for additional information and will provide updates as they become available. Motorists should exercise caution and seek alternative routes.

For real-time updates, travelers can check the Caltrans QuickMap website or app.

Update:

[Photo from Caltrans District 1]

Please note, the Caltrans QuickMap indicates two closures, one just west of Swains Flat Outpost, east of Grizzly Creek Redwoods State Park, as noted by CHP, and one west of the state park near Devil’s Elbow. It is unclear if there are two separate slides, or if there was a discrepancy in the location of a single slide. We have reached out to Caltrans and will update when additional information becomes available.

UPDATE 8:57 a.m.: Caltrans QuickMap shows that the slide is still keeping Highway 36 closed.

Image from Caltrans QuickMap.

UPDATE 9:28 a.m.: State Route 36 Reopens to One-Way Traffic Following Slide; Expect Delays