Some mining towns were destroyed by fire. Sierra City was destroyed by an avalanche. Built on a broad ledge of the Sierra Buttes, nobody thought much about the possibility of winter snows causing a spring avalanche. But that's exactly what happened in the spring of 1853. The disaster was so great the site was deserted for several years. Yet, the lure of gold that remained in the tunnels and shafts drew miners back to the slopes despite the warning of possible future tragedies. By 1858, another settlement had been created on the ridge. Not a great deal is left on the ridge. But the scenic view, the Buttes themselves, the forest, the waters of the Yuba, are still there for your pleasure. Take highway 49 north from Nevada City and you will come to Sierra City. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

Mine
Courtesy Dolores Steele