Washoe Lake

With spring underway, April events at Washoe Lake State Park north of Carson City in Washoe Valley include an evening hike, an Easter Egg Hunt, and a birdwatching program.

Good morning Carson City and welcome to the last day of winter. It is Tuesday, March 19, 2019. Expect mostly sunshine and cloudy skies today as a weather system is expected to move into the region later tonight bringing rain showers to the lower valleys and some snow to the Sierra for the first day of Spring. Here's what is happening around town today, including free admission to the Nevada State Museum.

NEW WASHOE CITY — Join Nevada State Park staff Tuesday, March 19 for a 2.5 mile guided hike through the sand dunes and enjoy views of Washoe Lake and Slide Mountain.

CARSON CITY — 2018 was an exciting year for the Nevada Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. As we put 2018 in the rear-view mirror, we’d like to celebrate some of our more notable highlights from the past year, and share a glimpse into what’s in store for 2019.

Let the countdown begin. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve!

This is the last day to see Santa Claus at the Carson Mall and aboard the Santa Train at the Nevada State Railroad Museum.

Join park staff for a hike on Wednesday, Jan. 1 — the first day of 2019 — at Washoe Lake State Park, East Lake Blvd. in Washoe Valley, from 1-2:30 p.m.

For all the darkness lovers out there, today is for you, because it's the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year. The almanac says sunrise on Friday morning is at 7:14 a.m. and sunset is at 4:39 p.m. Friday afternoon, giving the Carson City area just a little over nine hours of sunlight.

Reader Mike Cowan sent in this photo of our local wild horses who are for some reason deciding to walk through Washoe Lake on their Thursday commute.

The lake has been slowly emptying the last few months due to the dryer conditions, and apparently the horses are taking advantage of the shallows.

Swimmers should take note: you should always yield to swimming livestock because it’s more polite than cutting through the aquatic equestrian’s here.

NEW WASHOE CITY, Nev. – December events include a Winter Solstice hike and a Christmas-themed slide presentation.

Your weekend has arrived, Carson City. Today is Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018. A busy week is deserving of time off and for many the weekend is extended as Monday is Veteran's Day with federal, state and local governments, as well as city schools closed so we can pay tribute to America's finest men and women who have served or are currently serving in our Armed Forces.

NEW WASHOE CITY — November events at Washoe Lake State Park include a presentation about the wildlife of Washoe Lake State Park and a full moon hike. Reservations are required only for the full moon hike.

CARSON CITY — Did you know that Nevada Day is the largest celebration of statehood in the nation? Nevada Day is more than an extraordinary parade, it is Nevada’s heritage celebration – a gathering of communities to salute our State’s past and embrace its future.

Birds, bears, bobcats, deer, tree squirrels, voles, moles and more are migrating from summer to winter habitat. With the arrival of autumn, animals must devour quantities of calories to prepare for winter food scarcity. Abundant fruit is falling off trees, waiting for hungry critters to come and get it.

UPDATE 2:22PM: The Duck Hill Fire north of Carson City above Eastlake is around 50 percent contained, according to KRNV News 4. Carson City fire crews have returned to their stations. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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UPDATE 1:40PM: Fire engines from Carson City assigned to the Duck Hill Fire in Washoe County have been released as firefighters have made significant progress on the fire.

UPDATE MONDAY MORNING: The Slide Fire that grew to 80 acres overnight and is 10 percent contained as of Monday morning, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

The last weekend of August holds tight to summertime tradition. Get something fresh from the field at Farmers Markets in Carson City, Genoa, and Dayton. Celebrate the end of summer with La Chamba on the Brewery Arts Center outdoor stage – one more season of Levitt Amp Community Concerts successfully behind us. Whether you want something fun to do with your ‘grown-up’ friends or something for the whole family to enjoy, take a look! There’s a little bit for everyone.

SATURDAY:

We are running out of summer weekends. I know that’s hard to believe right now, but hoodies and everything pumpkin is just beyond the horizon. Grab summer with both hands and go enjoy this beautiful city. The Brewery Arts Center brings Dennis Johnson and the Mississippi Ramblers to the stage for tonight’s free concert. Check out the Railroad Museum for your fill of music and antique motor cars. Car lovers have two shows to choose from today: spectators will be able to enjoy both, but you’ll have to pick one if you want to enter your ride. Keep reading for more summertime fun.

UPDATE 5:42PM: Old Highway 395 is now open in both directions after a wildfire closed the highway from Eastlake to Bellevue, according to the Nevada Highway Patrol.
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UPDATE: 5:20PM: Forward progress stopped on Washoe Valley "Berry Fire."

The 8-acre fire is now 30 percent contained according to Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District.

Evacuations are still in place for remaining addresses.

Crews will remain on site overnight "mopping up." Some Carson City Fire Department crews are being released from the scene. The cause is under investigation.
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5:00PM: Good progress on the Berry Fire is reported by Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District. Firefighters are working to secure utilities. The evacuation area has been reduced to 8 addresses. The Galena Evacuation Center is now closed.

Old US 395 between Bellevue and Eastlake Drive closed for approximately 1 hour.

Washoe Valley outages have yet to be fixed. Original estimated time of restoration was 5:30PM, however the fire could prolong the restoration.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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I’m not even going to speculate on the air quality, but please use your best judgement when choosing your activities and there may be some cancellations that I am not aware of. Downtown has a full day of options, but the back roads may be a little more difficult to navigate due to construction projects. The great music that awaits will be worth the hassle. Read on and you’ll find indoors and outdoors activities that will help alleviate the cabin fever.

SATURDAY:

A small group of the wild Nevada Mustangs at one of their favorite watering holes; the Little Washoe Lake. Behind us were another dozen or so. Such beautiful and majestic creatures, they migrate here regularly in herds of 50 or more. If you see them beside the road (East Lake Blvd) stop and let them cross so they can reach their water and grasses.

NEW WASHOE CITY, Nev. — Join a park ranger and the staff from Nevada Bugs and Butterflies for a bug walk at Washoe Lake State Park. Participants will look for butterflies, caterpillars, and other interesting insects in the willows next to Deadman’s Creek.

Let’s get August off to a good start. The first Saturday of the month always plays host to the Downtown Carson City Wine Walk, but with the Jazz and Beyond Musical Festival in full swing, you’ll have even more reasons to meander around downtown. The afternoon ice cream social at the historic Foreman-Roberts House is a perfect family-friendly treat before heading to the Brewery Arts Center for tonight’s free concert. Keep reading, you’ll find a little bit of something for everyone in the Carson City, Carson Valley, Dayton and Virginia City areas.

It almost seems like the weekend is starting early, with all the great times offered today. The Carson City Fair is in full swing and will offer family-friendly fun through Sunday. Movie-lovers of all ages will enjoy tonight’s Movie on the Plaza: Princess Bride. It’s free to attend, but you’ll want to bring your own seating. Learn more about what lurks in the deep during tonight’s lecture at the Nevada State Museum; Dr.

A very happy Fourth of July to everyone. Listed below is my collection of celebrations in Northern Nevada. You’ll find them listed by their start time, so read through the list for all your options. If there is not a city/town listed after the location, then the event is happening in Carson City. Carson Valley doesn’t have a fireworks celebration, but they get the day off to a great start with a fun run, bbqs, concerts, and more. Be prepared for traffic if you want to watch at the lake, and a designated driver is suggested no matter where you end up. Have a safe holiday and enjoy.

Fourth of July celebrations abound in the Carson City area. Fireworks can be found in Carson City, Virginia City, Reno, Sparks, and at both north and south shore of Lake Tahoe. There are several daytime events going on this week so grab the kids, your friends and family, and have a great Independence Day.

It’s been toasty outside, which is one of the reasons Muscle Powered moves the start time for their morning walk during the summer months. A stroll along the Carson River at Riverview Park is a perfect way to start the day. If your little one is still a little uneasy on a bicycle, the Bike Safety Rodeo in Silver City will help get them on the right path. Tuesdays belong to Canyon White at Living the Good Life. The singer/songwriter takes to the stage for a jam session and open mic night.

TUESDAY, June 26: Things to do in Carson City

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.

Saturday morning sunrise from Washoe Lake in Washoe Valley.

This is going to be an epic Fathers’ Day weekend. Carson City Off-Road sponsored by Epic Rides has taken over downtown with everything mountain bike and plays host to a free Music Festival in McFadden Plaza. Don’t miss Arts and Culture Day at the Nevada State Railroad Museum with unlimited rides on the Steam Train, special vendors, and more. Stewart Indian School will be a hotspot of activity with the annual Fathers’ Day PowWow underway. This is just the tip of the iceberg, read on for more fun than you’ll know what to do with.

SATURDAY:

This first weekend of June packs quite a punch: activities and events abound. Head downtown for the first Third and Curry Farmers Market of the season, then wander a few blocks north for Due Sorella’s Spring Vintage Market. You may as well just keep the car parked. With the monthly Wine Walk, Pour for Paws in McFadden Plaza, and Crystal’s Crusade Street Party Fundraiser on W. Telegraph, downtown is the place to be. There are so many options this weekend, so take a gander and enjoy your weekend.

SATURDAY: