Mud Flow Sweeps Away Homes RENO, NV (KUNR) - Around 2;00 in the afternoon on Saturday, Inyo County Supervisor Jim Bilyeu drove out to Keith Bright's ranch on the south fork of Oak Creek, a few miles north of Independence California. The two men then drove to Bishop where they attended a barbeque. While they were away, torrential rain fell on the Sierra. Fast moving water flowed over some 38,000 acres that had burned just last year in a wild fire. Soon a wall of mud was flowing down Oak Creek. By the time they returned, Jim Bilyeu says 2 feet of mud was oozing across Interstate 395.

Bilyeu: It was pretty spooky. What brought my attention to it was a tree was crossing the road. And it looked like a flow of lava because it was black mud. I slammed on the brakes and skidded up to 25 feet of the mud flow.

Officials estimate as many as 30 structures were completely destroyed, though no major injuries or fatalities have been reported. The Mt. Whitney fish hatchery was heavily damaged, and some residents lost everything, including Keith Bright whose entire ranch and home were swept away, again Jim Bilyeu.

Bilyeu: The biggest thing I'm thankful for who is Mr. Bright, who is 91 years old, was by himself at that ranch, and had not we picked him up, he wouldn't be with us today.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has declared the scene a disaster, and a damage assessment is currently underway. Officials say access to the area is difficult and that an evacuation order is still in effect in the Oak Creek / West Fort Independence area.

Brian Bahouth KUNR News. © Copyright 2009, KUNR