An Auburn woman is facing alcohol-related driving charges after a rollover on a closed section of an Applegate road on the edge of the North Fork American River canyon.

The state Parks Department reported Wednesday that Carolyn Nomura was driving down Boole Road early Monday morning when she apparently ran into a large hole with her SUV and then rolled it onto its top after leaving the dirt roadway.

Parks Ranger Scott Liske said Nomura and a passenger were reportedly on their way to a sandbar to watch the sun come up when the accident took place.

The accident occurred some time between 3:30 a.m. and 6 a.m., with the initial report being fielded as a 9-1-1 call at 6:17 a.m.

Nomura, 40, suffered a severe leg injury, including two broken bones. She was taken by helicopter to Sutter Roseville Medical Center. Liske said Nomura was conscious but remained in the surgical unit Wednesday.

Passenger William Wright Jr., 27, of Auburn, was also taken from the remote scene of the accident by air ambulance but released from hospital later in the day after an assessment for injuries. Liske said The extent of Wright’s injuries were unknown.

Nomura is facing a driving-under-the-influence-of-alcohol charge that could be a felony because of her passenger’s injuries, Liske said. Evidence of methamphetamine use could lead to further charges against the driver and passenger, he said.

Boole Road has been closed to vehicles for at least two years and the area on the north side of the American River where the crash occurred is part of the Auburn State Recreation Area.

The Journal’s Gus Thomson can be reached at gust@goldcountrymedia.com.