Warming temperatures prompt Flood Advisory for Carson Valley and surrounding areas
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 05/23/2017 - 10:49am
A Small Stream Flood Advisory for snowmelt has been issued by the National Weather Service for low lying ranch land in areas south of Carson City into Carson Valley in Douglas County, Southern Washoe County and Alpine County.
High pressure will bring a drying and warming trend to the region early this week. As temperatures rise, increased snowmelt will add flows to area creeks, streams and rivers with the potential for flooding along areas of the East and West Forks of the Carson River, the main stem of the Carson River, the East and West Forks of the Walker River and the main stem of the Walker River, and the Truckee River.
Minor flooding impacts will begin in parts of Carson Valley and continue through the week. On Tuesday morning
the Nevada Department of Transportation tweeted that Mottsville Lane in Carson Valley is closed in both directions near SR-206. The road is closed to through traffic until further notice.
“The increased flows will result in minor flooding along portions of the West Fork Carson below Woodfords and into the Carson Valley,” according to the advisory. “This flooding will be confined mainly to farm and ranch lands near the river, but a few rural roads could be impacted. Flows are likely to be highest during the overnight hours before falling during the morning.”
The main stem of the Carson River, which travels between Genoa and Carson City, and crosses under Highway 395 at Cradlebaugh Bridge, is projected to rise above monitor stage (8 feet) leading into Wednesday and draw within 18 inches of flood stage Thursday morning, according to information gathered by Carson Valley Times.
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. For Carson City specific forecasting see CarsonWeather.com.
Periods of rapid snow melt are likely to continue through the Memorial Day weekend, according to the weather service. This will lead to high flows and minor flooding near unregulated creeks and streams leading out of the Sierra, according to the weather service.
The greatest risk for flooding will occur through Thursday morning and again over the Memorial Day weekend from Saturday to Tuesday, May 30. Daily peak flows on small creeks and streams typically occur during the evening and overnight hours.
Creeks and streams will run fast and very cold, bringing the risk of hypothermia for those without protective gear. Those with plans to camp in the Sierra over the Memorial Day weekend should be prepared to quickly leave creek side campsites. Hikers will want to be cautious while trying to cross creeks and streams.
The advisory also is for the following California counties: Alpine, El Dorado, Mono, Placer, Sierra and Plumas.
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