Carson City area weather: Strong winds, flooding threat return this week
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Mon, 03/13/2023 - 11:24am
Heavy rain with elevated snow levels are expected to renew the risk of flooding Tuesday morning through Wednesday, mostly in areas below 7,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service in Reno, which has issued a Flood Watch from late Monday night through Thursday evening.
Areas of primary concern are small creeks and streams, and areas with poor or obstructed drainage, including areas impacted by flooding recently. Mainstem river flooding is not currently forecast, but minor to moderate river flooding can not be ruled out especially in lower elevation basins, and in areas that experienced recent flooding, according to NWS forecasters.
The Flood Watch zone includes the Lake Tahoe area, and the greater Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas in Douglas County, Storey County, southern Lyon and Western Nevada Basin and Range including Pyramid Lake. The watch is also for Mono County, Lassen, Eastern Plumas and Eastern Sierra counties in California.
The weather service advises excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying and poor drainage areas.
Flooding may occur in mountain urban areas due to deep snow confining flow and restricting drainage. Runoff exceeding drainage capacity is expected to impact roads, agricultural areas, and poor drainage areas. Very high flows will continue on the Carson River both above and below Lahontan Reservoir. Terminal Lakes will see additional rises, according to the weather service.
The warm atmospheric river will lead to rapid runoff in elevations below approximately 7,000 feet. Although this atmospheric river appears to be slightly cooler and maybe not be quite as wet as last Friday's storm, runoff will respond more rapidly due to primed low elevation snowpack, current high river and stream flows, and saturated ground conditions, according to the weather service.
People should monitor weather and river forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action, and take advantage of relatively quiet weather Monday to prepare.
Meanwhile, a Flood Warning continues for the Walker River near Mason at Snyder Lane affecting Lyon County. Flood waters from local inflows to the East Walker River below Bridgeport reservoir, in combination with elevated flows on the West Walker River are making their way into Mason Valley and Yerington areas. Minor flooding will also impact the lower Walker River through Wabuska to Weber Reservoir. For the mainstem Walker River, including Mason at Snyder Lane, minor flooding is forecast.
A High Wind Watch is in effect from late Monday night through Tuesday evening for Carson City and surrounding counties.
South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph possible. Wind prone areas along US-395 from Susanville to Washoe Valley to Crowley Lake and along US-95 near Walker Lake could see gusts up to 65 mph.
Strong winds could blow down trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.
The weather service advises to secure loose outdoor items such as patio furniture, and trash cans before winds increase which could blow these items away. The best thing to do is prepare ahead of time by making sure you have extra food and water on hand, flashlights with spare batteries and/or candles in the event of a power outage.
Sand bagging locations
Carson City
The sand bagging station in Carson City is stocked and ready at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3505 Butti Way, just north of the main Public Works' building. Bags and sand are supplied. People will need to bring their own shovel and fill your own bags.
Douglas County
— The Genoa location is inaccessible due to snow. Genoa residents should use the Jacks Valley location.
— Jacks Valley Station 15, 3450 Jacks Valley Rd, Carson City
— Sheridan Fire Station, 980 Sheridan Ln., Gardnerville
— Johnson Lane Fire Station, 1450 Stephanie Ln., Minden
— Fish Springs Fire Station, 2249 Fish Springs Rd., Gardnerville
— Ruhenstroth Fire Station, 2008 Pinto Cir., Gardnerville
— Support Services Center (East Fork Fire) 940 Mitch Dr. (Across from Station 7), Gardnerville
— Holbrook Highlands at the Family Support Council Building, 3324 Highland Way, Gardnerville
Lyon County
— Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd., Mound House
— Silver City Community Center - 385 High St., Silver City
— Fire Station #39 - 460 Dayton Valley Rd., Dayton
— Dayton Valley Road, just southwest of Sutro Rd
— Fire Station #35 - 231 Corral Dr., Dayton
— Stagecoach Community Center - 8105 US-50, Stagecoach
— Silver Springs JPO Office - 1075 Pyramid Ave., Silver Springs
— Mason Town Hall building - 55 Bridge Street, Mason
— Dressler Park Community Arena - 2715 Hwy 208, Wellington
— Out of Town Park, Farm District Road and Highway 95A, Fernley
Storey County
Sandbags can be found at the following locations:
— Virginia City - 130 Toll Rd., sandbags are in the shed to the left as you dip down into the lot at the Ice House
— Virginia City Highlands - Fire Station 72, 2610 Cartwright Road
— Lockwood - Fire Station 74, 431 Canyon Way
— Mark Twain - Community Center, 500 Sam Clemens Road
Sandbags are provided, you must bring your own shovel.
South Lake Tahoe:
Fire Station 3, 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Behind the Fire station. Shovels and bags provided; shovels are limited, so people are encouraged to bring their own.
