Flood Watch goes up for Carson City, surrounding counties due to incoming atmospheric river storm
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 03/07/2023 - 3:54pm
With the potential for flooding due to an incoming warm atmospheric river storm system, the National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Flood Watch from Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning for Carson City and surrounding counties.
Flooding caused by rain and snowmelt is possible, the weather service advises, for portions of western Nevada and California below 6,500 feet, including the following areas: Greater Lake Tahoe, Reno, Carson City and Carson Valley areas in Douglas County, southern Lyon and Mineral counties. The watch area also extends to Mono, Lassen, Eastern Plumas and Eastern Sierra counties in California.
Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations, the weather service says. Creeks and streams may rise out of their banks. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas due to deep snow confining flow and limiting drainage. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Storm drains and ditches may become clogged with snow and debris.
The warm atmospheric river will lead to rapid runoff in areas of shallow snowpack and wet ground, according to the weather service. Continued precipitation on areas with deeper snowpack may begin to pass rain through the snowpack during the prolonged precipitation event. This will lead substantial hazard of minor flooding with significant rises on main stem rivers, according to the weather service.
Flooding on mainstem rivers is not forecast at this time, but rises to monitor stage or even minor flooding can't be ruled out.
The weather service advises people to monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible flood warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop.
The City of South Lake Tahoe advised roof collapses are also a potential threat, due to the heavy snow loads and the added weight of moisture from the rain.
The city urges residents to take the threat of roof collapses and flooding seriously and advised that if homeowners have more than three feet of snow, as a general guideline, to consult a professional to remove snow from roofs before the storm.
Douglas County advises residents should prepare in advance for increased roof loads due to excessive snow. Residents that haven't already cleared the snow off the roof are urged to do so before the rain comes. The combination of heavy snow and rain can put even more stress on roofs, increasing the risk of collapse. Take a few minutes to safely remove the snow from your roof using a roof rake, or hire a professional if needed.
Sand bagging locations
Carson City
The sand bagging station in Carson City is stocked and ready at the Carson City Corporate Yard, 3505 Butti Way, just north of the main Public Works' building. Bags and sand are supplied. People will need to bring their own shovel and fill your own bags.
Douglas County
— The Genoa location is inaccessible due to snow. Genoa residents should use the Jacks Valley location.
— Jacks Valley Station 15, 3450 Jacks Valley Rd, Carson City
— Sheridan Fire Station, 980 Sheridan Ln., Gardnerville
— Johnson Lane Fire Station, 1450 Stephanie Ln., Minden
— Fish Springs Fire Station, 2249 Fish Springs Rd., Gardnerville
— Ruhenstroth Fire Station, 2008 Pinto Cir., Gardnerville
— Support Services Center (East Fork Fire) 940 Mitch Dr. (Across from Station 7), Gardnerville
— Holbrook Highlands at the Family Support Council Building, 3324 Highland Way, Gardnerville
Lyon County
— Mound House Fire Station – 56 Red Rock Rd., Mound House
— Silver City Community Center - 385 High St., Silver City
— Fire Station #39 - 460 Dayton Valley Rd., Dayton
— Dayton Valley Road, just southwest of Sutro Rd
— Fire Station #35 - 231 Corral Dr., Dayton
— Stagecoach Community Center - 8105 US-50, Stagecoach
— Silver Springs JPO Office - 1075 Pyramid Ave., Silver Springs
— Mason Town Hall building - 55 Bridge Street, Mason
— Dressler Park Community Arena - 2715 Hwy 208, Wellington
— Out of Town Park, Farm District Road and Highway 95A, Fernley
Storey County
Sandbags can be found at the following locations:
— At the end of Toll Road, inside a small storage shed in Virginia City.
— Fire Station 74, 431 Canyon Way, Sparks (Lockwood).
— Fire Station 72, 2610 Cartwright Road, Virginia City Highlands.
— Storey County Senior Center, 500 Sam Clemens Road, Dayton.
Sandbags are provided, you must bring your own shovel.
South Lake Tahoe:
Fire Station 3, 2101 Lake Tahoe Blvd. Behind the Fire station. Shovels and bags provided; shovels are limited, so people are encouraged to bring their own.
General tips
— Clear gas meters of snow.
— If your power goes out, do not use a gas stove or oven to heat your home; use a generator, but only outdoors and away from windows.
— Purchase in advance all the necessary groceries, supplies, and tools to clear sidewalks and driveways, uncover your car, and keep all passageways clear.
— Clear gutters of snow and debris.
Be sure you have a way to clear snow, including a snow shovel, snow blower with gas, and salt or sand to pre-treat the driveway and sidewalks. A push broom can be helpful for removing snow from vehicles and gas meters.
Check back for updates.
