Highway 38 near Big Bear reopens after mud, debris flow forced closure

FOREST FALLS, Calif. (KABC) -- Heavy rain Friday caused a massive mud and debris flow in the San Bernardino National Forest, forcing a portion of Highway 38 to temporarily shut down.

Caltrans was forced to close Highway 38 from Forest Falls to Lake Williams earlier in the evening. At around 9 p.m., Caltrans announced the highway was reopened.

"SR 38 is now open to Big Bear with escorts all night up and down from just above Angelus Oaks to Jenks Lk West," Caltrans tweeted. "Reduce your speed. Road extremely muddy. Use 330 and 18 if you can."

Parts of the roadway were washed away and mud was at least five feet deep in some areas, stranding many vehicles.

"Caltrans crews working to clear mud and rock from debris flows on SR 38," Caltrans tweeted shortly before 5 p.m. The agency initially expected access to Big Bear to be blocked overnight.

The San Bernardino National Forest warned people to make alternate plans due to the closure.

Highway 330 and 18 were recommended as alternate routes.