UPDATE: Washoe Lake Dam breach concerns lessen as repairs begin, flood watch canceled
TUESDAY UPDATE: A Flood Watch has been canceled for the Washoe Lake Dam, according to National Weather Service in Reno. Officials say mitigation efforts have reduced the hazard of a potential breach in the dam at Little Washoe Lake. There was concern the dam could breach or collapse after a hole was discovered in it.
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The Nevada Division of Water Resources reports that after a routine inspection Monday, it was determined the Washoe Lake Dam is in danger of potentially breaching that would cause flooding in the Steamboat Creek and Steamboat Ditch areas.
Should the Washoe Lake Dam breach, Steamboat Creek and Steamboat Ditch areas would be flooded, according to a news release from Washoe County.
An emergency broadcast alert was made Monday afternoon on radio, television and via smart phones. Washoe Lake is north of Carson City in Washoe Valley.
Nevada State Engineer Jason King told KOLO News that crews are working to fortify the dam so there is no major damage. As of Monday afternoon, there was some leakage. King tells KOLO he's trying to prevent mud coming through, because that would signal the imminent break.
A potential Washoe Lake Dam breach could affect Steamboat Creek area. Residents are advised to prepare for flooding similar to February 2017 if the dam were to breach. The dam is near the Old Washoe City entrance along the alternate Old Highway 395.
Washoe County Community Services Division is currently setting up sandbag locations and will be announced shortly.
The dam is showing signs of potential compromise, and residents are asked in the Steamboat Creek and Steamboat Ditch areas to please be prepared to evacuate when notified.
UPDATE 5:10PM: State and local water officials held a press conference at Washoe Lake shortly after 5 p.m. Here is KRNV News 4's press conference coverage of the press conference.
UPDATE 4:08PM: Statement from the Nevada State Engineer: The Nevada State Engineer is actively managing a partial failing of the Washoe Lake Dam in Washoe Valley, in accordance with the Dam’s Emergency Action Plan procedures.
Currently, the dam is not breached and repairs are underway. The State Engineer is working closely with other state and local officials to restore the integrity of the dam and protect the public. If an evacuation becomes necessary, Washoe County safety officials will notify impacted residents. See www.washoecounty.us/ for updates on evacuations or other public safety announcements.
Updates will be forthcoming as more information is available.
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