Sebastopol's flood risk is tied to a river it doesn't sit on. The Laguna de Santa Rosa drains to the Russian River, so when the river runs high, the Laguna backs up into low parts of town.
The local gauge
The CNRFC tracks the Laguna at Sebastopol. Action stage is 67 feet; at 69 feet, minor flooding begins and Occidental Road starts flooding near the channel (CNRFC).
February 2025
The Sebastopol Times reported Petaluma Avenue flooding near the Joe Rodota Trail entrance and the Post Office Annex, Morris Street closing between Highway 12 and the Community Center, and the Laguna rising onto a section of Morris Street as the Russian River peaked at 36.32 feet. Tomodachi Park off Highway 12 was fully flooded (Sebastopol Times).
City sandbags
Free sand and bags for residents behind the Sebastopol Youth Annex, 425 Morris Street, sunrise to sunset, up to 25 bags. Bring your own shovel. Public Works: (707) 823-5331 (City of Sebastopol).
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Watch the river, not just the rain
Because the Laguna responds to the Russian River, keep an eye on the Guerneville forecast as well as the Laguna gauge. Sign up for SoCoAlert.
If water gets in
Photograph everything, remove soaked materials and dry quickly. See flood cleanup.
Related
- Mold after Laguna flooding on Sonoma Mold Removal
- Sebastopol area page
- El Niño flood prevention
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Sources
- CNRFC: Laguna de Santa Rosa at Sebastopol
- Sebastopol Times: Sebastopol flood diary (Feb 2025)
- City of Sebastopol: Sandbags
- CNRFC: Russian River at Guerneville
Sources checked October 18, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Sebastopol flood after the rain eases?
The Laguna can keep backing up while the Russian River stays high, even after local rain lets up.
Where are city sandbags?
Behind the Youth Annex at 425 Morris Street, for Sebastopol residents.