Cars Floating in Running Springs Flood

Video Credit: Memo Avila on NextDoor App. Location: Mile up from the ranger station on 330, about 3/4 mile from the Manzanita Flat road mouth.

Tips for Driving During Flood Conditions

Driving during flood conditions in mountainous areas like Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Cedar Glen can be especially hazardous due to steep terrain, fast-moving water, and potential landslides. Here are some tips to stay safe in Running Springs and surrounding local areas:

• Avoid Driving if Possible: The safest option is to delay travel until flood conditions improve. Check weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out, especially for routes like Highway 18 and Highway 330, which connect Running Springs to nearby Lake Arrowhead and Crestline. Posts on X emphasize avoiding flooded roads, but always verify with trusted sources like weather.com or local authorities, such as the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

• Turn Around, Don't Drown: Never drive through flooded areas, especially in the mountains around Running Springs where water can be deeper and faster-moving than it appears. Just 6 inches of moving water can knock you off your feet, and 1 foot can sweep away a vehicle. Look for depth gauges if available, but if unsure, find another route. This is critical near local creeks and streams in areas like Cedar Glen and Crestline.

• Be Aware of Mountain-Specific Risks:

  • Flash floods can occur suddenly in mountainous areas like Running Springs due to rapid runoff from higher elevations, especially near burn scars from recent wildfires (e.g., the Line Fire in 2024)).

  • Mountain roads, such as those connecting Running Springs to Lake Arrowhead, may have hidden hazards like washed-out roadbeds, debris, or downed power lines under water.

  • Culverts and streams can overflow, creating dangerous conditions. Avoid low-lying areas near creeks or rivers, such as Deep Creek near Running Springs or areas near Lake Arrowhead.

• Check Road Conditions: Use reliable sources like Caltrans QuickMap for real-time updates on road closures or flooding in Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, and surrounding areas. Mountain roads can change quickly due to weather, so stay updated, especially for routes like Highway 18, which serves as a main artery for these communities.

• Drive Slowly and Steadily if Unavoidable:

  • If you must drive through shallow water (less than 6 inches and not moving) in areas like Running Springs or Crestline, proceed slowly (1-2 mph initially, then 3-4 mph) to avoid engine flooding.

  • Stick to the highest point of the road, typically the center, to avoid deeper water along edges, which is common on mountain roads near Cedar Glen.

  • Keep engine revs high (especially in manual vehicles) to prevent water from entering the exhaust, a risk on winding roads in the San Bernardino Mountains.

• Avoid Fast-Moving Water: Do not attempt to cross fast-flowing streams or rivers, such as those near Running Springs or Lake Arrowhead. Even 30 cm (12 inches) of fast-moving water can move a vehicle, and mountain streams can be deceptive.

• Watch for Landslides and Debris: Heavy rain in mountainous areas like Running Springs can trigger landslides or rockfalls, especially near steep slopes along Highway 18 or in areas affected by recent wildfires. Be vigilant for falling rocks, mud, or debris on the road, particularly near Cedar Glen and Crestline.

• Prepare Your Vehicle:

  • Ensure your tires have adequate tread for traction on wet, slippery roads, which are common in Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead during rainy seasons.

  • Check that your headlights, windshield wipers, and brakes are in good working condition, essential for navigating mountain roads in poor weather.

  • Turn off your air conditioning to avoid water damage to the compressor and provide extra engine power, especially on steep inclines near Crestline.

• After Driving Through Water:

  • Test your brakes on a clear patch of road at low speed to dry them out, such as on a flat section in Running Springs. Press gently on the brake pedal while maintaining speed to remove water.

  • Consider having your vehicle inspected by a professional in nearby areas like Lake Arrowhead to check for water damage, especially if the water was deep.

• Emergency Preparedness:

  • Keep an emergency kit in your car with water, snacks, a first-aid kit, flashlight, and a charged cell phone, especially when traveling through remote areas near Running Springs or Cedar Glen.

  • If your vehicle stalls in water, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground if safe, such as elevated areas in Crestline. Do not attempt to restart the engine, as this can cause severe damage (e.g., hydrolock).

  • If trapped in rising water, try to open doors or windows to escape. If doors won't open due to water pressure, use force or wait for help from higher ground, and call local emergency services like the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

• Be Cautious at Night: Flood dangers are harder to spot in the dark, especially on unlit mountain roads in Running Springs and Lake Arrowhead. Avoid driving at night during flood conditions if possible, as visibility is limited.

• Insurance and Safety:

  • Ensure your auto insurance covers flood damage, which is crucial for residents of Running Springs and surrounding areas prone to flooding. Comprehensive coverage typically includes water-related damage, but confirm with your provider.

  • Posts on X warn against driving through flooded areas due to hidden hazards, reinforcing the "Turn Around, Don't Drown" message, but always verify with official sources like the National Weather Service (weather.gov) or San Bernardino County emergency alerts.

Remember, mountain flood conditions in Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead, Crestline, and Cedar Glen can change rapidly, and water currents can be stronger due to elevation changes. Prioritize safety and avoid unnecessary risks. For more detailed guidance, refer to resources from the National Weather Service or local emergency management agencies, such as the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

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