Sandbar at mouth of Russian River to be breached Thursday

Drifting sand that has once again dammed the mouth of the Russian River in Jenner will be parted on Thursday so the river can continue to flow out to sea.

It's the second time in less than a month the Sonoma County Water Agency has opted to breach the sand bar, which builds across the mouth several times a season.

Though river flows are low, enough water can pond behind the sand bar to produce a threat of flooding in low-lying area. The Water Agency intends to cut a channel to the sea on Thursday, assuming a permit from the California Coastal Commission is granted, spokeswoman Ann DuBay said.

Crews use heavy equipment to breach the sand and involve monitors to ensure no wildlife are hurt.