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Rock Slides Caused By Earthquake Near Big Bear Close Highway
Photo by diamondsandglass1 via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr
Just before 10 a.m. this morning a magnitude 4.6 earthquake struck between Big Bear Lake and Lake Arrowhead, with no reports of injuries or damage to any structures.
However, City News Service is reporting that rockslides caused by the tremblor have closed down State Route 18, between Big Bear Dam and Snow Valley. The stretch of highway, known as "The Arctic Circle," is perched above and below steep cliffs. At least six vehicles, including three motorcycles, are reported to be stranded on the road. There are no reports of injuries or damage on the highway.
The shallow earthquake was reported at a depth of 5 miles underground and is said to have been felt as far north as Bakersfield and far south as San Diego. Minor aftershocks as large as magnitude 2.2 were reported up to 10 minutes after the initial quake.
Update: City News Service reports that Caltrans reopened the road shortly before 1 p.m. this afternoon after clearing the roadway with snowplows.
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