With warm temperatures ahead this week, Lyon County has initiated preparations for possible flooding on the Walker and Carson rivers.
Lyon County Emergency Management recommends those with homes in low lying areas along both the Carson and Walker rivers take necessary precautions to prepare for possible moderate to major flooding in the coming weeks, according to the county’s website.
Persons living or owning property along both rivers should carefully monitor water levels. The National Weather Service in Reno advises that warmer weather predicted for this week and warm springtime temperatures that have the potential for causing snowmelt in amounts that may result in flooding along the Walker and Carson rivers within Lyon County.
The Weather Service predicts that next week’s temperatures will be in the 60’s in Lyon County and in the 50’s in the Sierras. This will likely raise river levels to near flood stage on the Walker River. Any extended periods of warm temperatures have the potential to cause substantial flooding.
The Bridgeport Reservoir and Topaz Lake are near capacity. Although water is being released to make room for snowmelt, the snowpack contains more water than these reservoirs can hold. Excess flows will cause the Walker River to rise above flood stage.
The Carson River does not have upstream storage. Snowmelt caused by warmer temperatures will cause the Carson River levels to rise.
Lyon County will continue to monitor river levels, prepare for possible flooding and provide information to the citizens of Lyon County.
Lyon County has placed sand and sandbags for “self-service” public use at the following locations:
— Smith Valley
— Smith Valley Road Yard on Day Lane
— Nevada Department of Transportation mixing strip at SR 208 and Upper — Colony Road
— Fire Station at SR 208 and Hardie Lane
— Mason Valley
— Yerington Road Yard
— Mason Town Hall
