Stricken Glenn Faces More Rain

HAMILTON CITY >> Glenn County remained in a state of emergency today and residents of this small community prepared for more soaking, menacing weather.

The community was partially flooded yesterday when a 100-foot section washed out of the Sacramento River levee. The break occurred about a half-mile downstream from State Route 32 and east of the city.

“We still haven't been able to determine the extent of the damage,” Dan Ellis, county Civic Defense director, reported today. He estimated the break was nine to 10 feet deep.

The river has dropped about five feet, relieving most of the pressure, he said.

County crews assisted by Chico State University volunteers and Holly Sugar Co. and GlennColusa Irrigation District employees worked all day to erect a temporary dike across a drain along the east edge of Sacramento Street. Most of the flood waters were pouring into the city along this drain, Ellis said. …

Most of the water has been pumped out of the town, he added.

Crews also worked all day to protect the levee bank north of here. The dike was leaking in several places, Ellis explained, noting that squirrel holes had weakened it in several places. …

The levee washed out at 9 a.m. yesterday and county supervisors declared the state of emergency one hour later, Ellis said.

Homes along County Road 8 flooded Wednesday evening, are now high and clear, Gilmore said, reporting the road was open all the way to the river. Five families were evacuated. …

Yesterday's levee break closed Capay and Hamilton City School. Teachers living in Chico could not get to work because the roads were closed.

— Enterprise-Record, Jan. 18, 1974