Emergency crews responded to a serious incident at the New Colgate Powerhouse in Yuba County when a large water pipe, known as a penstock, burst and flooded the hydroelectric facility. The rupture occurred in the afternoon, sending water rushing through the powerhouse and down the hillside, which resulted in extensive erosion and road damage around the site. Five people, including workers and contractors, were stranded and needed to be rescued, with one person airlifted to a hospital.
The burst penstock, which carries water from the New Bullards Bar Reservoir to the powerhouse on the Yuba River, caused significant disruptions. The flooding affected the Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E)’s Colgate switching station, leading to widespread power outages. More than 15,000 customers in Nevada, Yuba, Sierra, and Butte counties lost electricity. By the evening, power had been restored to the majority of impacted households, but around 400 customers in the Pike area of Sierra County remained without service as repair crews continued their work in difficult conditions.
The Yuba Water Agency, which manages the powerhouse, quickly assured the public that there was no risk to the New Bullards Bar Dam and that downstream flooding would not occur. Multiple agencies, including the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office, Cal Fire, and the Dobbins Fire Department, coordinated the response and search efforts at the site. All personnel were accounted for, and officials emphasized there was no ongoing threat to residents in nearby communities.
Environmental teams moved in soon after the incident to assess possible impacts on the Yuba River. Debris from the hillside erosion and powerhouse was found in the river, increasing concerns about water quality and potential hazards to wildlife. The Yuba Water Agency began helicopter surveys and worked with environmental specialists to contain debris and monitor conditions. Authorities advised the public to avoid Lake Francis Road and sections of the Yuba River downstream from the powerhouse while the area remained hazardous.
The New Colgate Powerhouse is a major hydroelectric facility with the capacity to deliver power to hundreds of thousands of homes. Recently, upgrade projects were underway on the penstock and related infrastructure. An investigation into what caused the pipe failure is ongoing, with geotechnical experts evaluating site damage and additional precautions being taken ahead of forecasted storms. The situation remains active, as emergency crews and utility workers focus on repairs and environmental protection measures.
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