Welcome To KEY TO THE CITY's Page For
Alturas
Modoc County, California
ZipCodes
96101
Motto
Where the West Still Lives
Page Contents for Alturas, California
History & History-related items
Chamber of Commerce.
Organizations, Churches, and Sports.
Statistics & Facts
The California state capital is Sacramento.
The population of Alturas is approximately 2,892 (2000), 2827 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 1,181 (2000), 1238 (2010).
The amount of land area in Alturas is 5.697 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Alturas to Washington DC is 2396 miles.
The distance to the California state capital is 211 miles. (as the crow flies)
Alturas is positioned 41.49 degrees north of the equator and 120.54 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Alturas elevation is 4,446 feet above sea level.
Location
the Northeast corner of California in the South Fork Valley where the North and South Forks of the Pit River meet. The Cascade Mountain range is about 75 miles to the west. Alturas is 170 miles from Reno and 150 miles from Redding.Return to Index
Climate
high desert with hot dry summers and cold winters
Return to Index
Weather
seasonal. Most forecasts originate so far away the weather men can't see what's really happening here. So this forecast and report considers local observation. It's updated twice daily.
This is a national weather page for Alturas
Return to Index
History & History Related Items
Alturas was originally occupied by a branch of the Pit River or Achomawe Tribe of Native Americans before white men arrived. The village was known as Kosealekte. The valley is a prehistoric lake bed which formed from alternating erosion and rebuilding of the volcanic flows of the Modoc Plateau which surrounds all but the northeast side of it. The northeast edge of the valley is at the foot of the Warner Mountains, which is the most western range of the Nevada Basin, about ten miles east of town.
The city's limit is bordered on the south by the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, where natural wetlands have been preserved. A new vista point has been built along the highway a quarter mile from town to allow viewing of deer, antelope, Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, and other inhabitants. Animals don't understand much about man's arbitrary boundaries and occasionally wander up Main Street.
Until 1874, Alturas was known as Dorris Bridge (named for James Dorris, the town's first white settler). He built a simple wooden bridge across the creek at the east end of town. He later erected a house that became a stopover for travelers and the beginning of Modoc County. The city is a marketing center for local ranchers who raise livestock, potatoes and alfalfa.
Return to Index
The incorporation of Alturas
16 September 1901Attractions
Modoc County Museum
600 S. Main St.
Alturas, CA 96101-4117
Phone: (916) 233-2944 or 916-233-6328
Alturas Railroad Museum
2000 Rail Road
Alturas CA 96101
Phone: 530-233-2512
FAX: 530-233-3559
The Alturas Railroad Museum was established in 1998. The museum is operated by the City of Alturas and the members of the Warner Mountain Gandy Dancers.
Take a look at photos of Alturas.
California Pines, a 20 acre mountain community of about 20 acres with recreation and housing, is less than 10 miles from Alturas.
Return to Index
Alturas City Government
City of Alturas200 W. North Street Alturas CA 96101 Phone: 530-233-2512 FAX: 530-233-3559
Alturas has a city council with five persons who are elected at large for four year terms. The City Clerk and City Treasurer are also elected positions.
Alturas Municipal Airport
1401 W. 4th St.
Alturas, CA 96101-3604
Phone: 530-233-5125
The airport elevation is 4374 feet above sea level
Alturas Fire Department
310 Rine Street
Alturas, CA 96101
Scanner: 152.400 Mhz
Phone: (530) 233 4416
Email: firebiz@usa.net
COUNTY INFORMATION
Alturas is the county seat for Modoc County.
Modoc Community Programs Dir.
120 S. Main St.
Alturas, CA 96101-4051
Phone: (530) 233-6426
Alturas Chamber
Alturas Chamber of Commerce522 S. Main St.
Alturas, CA 96101-4115
Phone: 530-233-4434
Alturas Organizations
Alturas Chamber of Commerce522 S. Main St.
Alturas, CA 96101-4115
Phone: 530-233-4434
Alturas Libraries
Modoc County Library212 W. 3rd St.
Alturas, CA 96101
Phone: (530)233-6340
Hours: Monday: 10:00am - 5:00pm; Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00am - 6:00pm; Thursday: Noon-8 PM; Friday: 10am-5pm; Saturday: 10am-2pm (Except in July & August)
Alturas Schools
Modoc Joint Unified School District906 W. 4th St.
Alturas, CA 96101-3716
Phone: 530-233-7201
Modoc High School
900 N. Main St.
Alturas, CA 96101-3376
Phone: (530) 233-7301
Modoc Middle School
906 W. 4th St.
Alturas, CA 96101-3716
Phone: 530-233-7501
Alturas Elementary School 809
809 W. 8th St.
Alturas, CA 96101-3116
Phone: 530-233-7601
HIGHER EDUCATION
Lassen College
802 N East St
Alturas, CA 96101-4308
Phone: 530-233-4404 Alturas
Miscellany
Alturas is the most Northeastern incorporated city in the State of CaliforniaThe population of Alturas was:
1990 - 3,231
2000 - 2,892
Contribute information for this community or any other community on the Key To TheCity website
Be sure to include the name of the community and its state when contacting Key to the City as you are NOT directly contacting this community.
Thanks for visiting Key to the City. Come back again! Soon!
- The information on Key to the City is from multiple sources including government, commerce, libraries, individuals and organizations. There is no guarantee of the accuracy or timeliness of the information presented on these pages, therefore, please use at your own risk.
