Western Nevada, Lyon County brace for flooding as snowmelt makes its way from the Sierra
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Sun, 05/21/2017 - 11:44am
Continued warming temperatures will increase snow melt this week, with the likelihood of flooding near some creeks and streams flowing out of the Sierra. The Walker River through the Mason Valley and Yerington is expected to reach major flood stage early this week, with record levels possible, according to the National Weather Service.
Some flooding is also likely for the upper portions of the Carson and Truckee River systems, with potential impacts in Carson Valley. A Flood Watch is in effect now through Tuesday evening and includes areas of Western Nevada, the greater Lake Tahoe area and greater Reno, Carson City, and Carson Valley areas.
Carson City emergency management officials say much of the flooding concern is for areas north and south of Carson City, From Washoe Valley to Carson Valley, which may pose travel issues for Carson City residents in the event of flooding.
On the California side, the Flood Watch extends from the greater Lake Tahoe area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra counties and Mono County.
Here is a summary from the National Weather Service on expected flooding this week:
— The upper parts of the Carson River, including Carson Valley, are likely to experience minor flooding of farm and ranch lands.
— The Walker River through Mason and Yerington: Expected to reach major to near record levels. Flooding greater than that experienced in 1983 and 1986 is expected and may persist for a prolonged period of time. On Saturday, Lyon County public works, and community leaders helped fill sandbags, gearing up for the anticipated flooding.
— On the West Walker River, minor to moderate flooding is expected from the Walker River Canyon into Antelope Valley and Smith Valley, as well as downstream through Wilson Canyon.
— The Truckee River will likely see minor flooding below Lake Tahoe through the city of Truckee and nearby areas. This is likely to be confined to areas immediately adjacent to the river with impacts confined to campgrounds and bike trails.
— Small streams draining the eastern Sierra could see flows in excess of 3 times their current flows causing flooding near the streams from southern Mono County north through the Lake Tahoe Basin and into parts of Sierra and Plumas counties.
— On the East Walker River, very minor flooding is possible below Bridgeport Reservoir. Farther down the river, minor to moderate flooding is expected from just above Strosnider Ditch to the confluence with the West Walker.
— Below Weber Reservoir minor flooding is possible if releases from the reservoir need to be increased.
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