As of 9:45 Tuesday morning Caltrans reports that Highway 70 is still closed between Elephant Butte and the Greenville Wye.  Alternate routes between the Quincy area and the Sacramento Valley are provided by Highways 32 and 80.  Both of these connect to the Quincy area via Highway 89.  Chains or snow tires are required on Highway 89.

Caltrans has been moving rocks the size of large vehicles.  Of even greater concern is the ledge of rock perched above where the slide originated.  A geologist has been brought in to assess the stability of that ledge to determine if it should be blasted out before the highway can be re-opened.

Highway 70 is closed at Elephant Butte Tunnel in the Feather River Canyon due to a rock slide. Vehicle sized boulders which will require blasting are blocking the highway, leaving the road closed until a geologist can assess the stability of the slide.

This report will be updated as more information becomes available. Motorists are advised to use an alternate route.

Call 1-800-427-ROAD (7623) or visit the Caltrans website for updates before you travel.