NWS forecasts Carson River to crest above flood stage by Saturday in Carson City area
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Fri, 02/10/2017 - 8:05am
The Carson River in and around Carson City could reach major flooding levels by early Saturday morning, the National Weather Service (NWS) in Reno forecasts.
As of 4:15 a.m. Friday morning, the river in Carson City was measured at 9.2 feet, reaching flood stage when it crests at 10 feet.
The NWS forecasts the Carson River is expected to rise above 11 feet by Saturday, staging the river at major flood levels for the second time in a month.
A series of atmospheric river events have saturated the region, causing snow levels to rise well above normal for this time of year and resulting in snow melt at higher elevations that have flooded area streams, tributaries and rivers.
The river crested above major flood stage on Jan. 10 from an atmospheric river event, the NWS data showed.
"An extended period of heavy rainfall and snow melt has occurred across the Carson River reach from its headwaters to its terminus," the NWS report said. "Rapid rises are occurring with several locations already experiencing significant flooding. Expect flood waters to rise through the day from the confluence of the East and West Forks of the Carson River through Carson City. Flooding downstream of Carson City will continue through the weekend."
By Saturday afternoon, the Carson River is forecast to fall back below its 10 foot flood crest, the NWS reports.
During major flooding in the region, the NWS said residents can expect many roads, highways, homes and structures to experience flood waters from Genoa to Fort Churchill and areas in between, including Carson City, Stewart, Empire and Dayton.
Transportation becomes difficult during major flooding, typically impacting low-lying roadways that cross the Carson River, such as U.S. Highwya 395 in the Carson Valley.
The highway is, in fact, currently closed at the Cradlebaugh Bridge at this hour due to water on the roadway, the Nevada Department of Transportation reports.
Also during major flood events, the NWS reports massive bank erosion is possible with the capability of washing away buildings, roads, heavy machinery.
The snow level is forecast to drop through Saturday, the NWS reports, helping to reduce rapid snow melt in the mountains.
Freezing levels are forecast for around 6,000 feet as of Friday morning, and falling to near 5,500 feet by Friday evening, the NWS reports.
Area mountains are forecast to receive an additional 1-2 feet of snow above 8,000 feet and 6-12 inches from 7,000 feet elevation. Lake Tahoe and other areas around 6,000 feet can expect about 2-5 inches of snow.
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