Wet weekend weather raises flood concerns around Carson City
A flood watch is in effect for the Carson City area through Saturday as steady rain is forecast to move into the region today and turning to showers Sunday, the National Weather Service in Reno reports.
The Nevada state capital can expect a 90 percent chance of precipitation Saturday, including steady rainfall of up to three-quarters of an inch possible in the Eagle Valley.
Moderate moisture accumulation in areas around the region bring with it the increased risk of flooding, the NWS said, as mountain snow melt can be accelerated from a combination of the recent warm temperatures and rain.
A flood watch goes into effect at 1 p.m. Saturday and lasts until 5 a.m. Sunday morning, the NWS reports.
Although the Carson River's current is running fast and full, it's water level was measured at 7.34 feet as of 7 a.m. Saturday morning, according to CarsonWeather.com, which also reports the river is expected to crest at about 7.6 feet by Saturday night into Sunday following the rainfall.
Flood stage for the Carson River is 10 feet, while eight feet is considered near flood stage.
Localized flooding, however, could occur in flood-prone areas on the west side of Carson City.
The low pressure system also brings with it a chance of thunderstorms through Saturday night as the high temperature is forecast to reach 60 degrees.
Rain is forecast to turn to showers by Sunday, reducing to a 30 percent chance of precipitation as the skies begin to clear to partly sunny and a high of 61 degrees.
A slight chance of showers remains until Monday morning as the system finally moves out of the area, the NWS said, giving way to sunny skies and a high of about 69 degrees.
The area dries out over most of next week with high temperatures in the seventies and cool, mild overnight lows in the mid-forties.
A slight chance of rain showers returns Friday, but skies are forecast to be mostly sunny and the high temperature around 65.