Possible flooding

3/20/2018 (Permalink)

Here is a story about possible flooding in the Reno area.

http://www.kolotv.com/content/news/With-an-eye-on-the-forecast-the-county-is-prepping-for-potential-flooding-477335663.html

It all depends on the weather, but the other elements are all there. A fair amount of snow from last week's storms. The ground saturated with moisture and a forecast for another round, possibly much warmer. 

Add to that all the water still left from last year's winter in closed basins like Lemmon Valley and there's ample reason to be prepared.

"So, we get the rain on snow. We get a lot of moisture coming down into some of those drainage systems," said Eric Crump, the Operations Division Director for Community Services. "It can overwhelm a system pretty easily."

If needed, there are nine sandbag locations throughout the county. They've been there throughout the season. In Lemmon Valley walls now contain Swan Lake and there are pumps stationed to send water back in the lake if needed.

"We have the Hesco walls, the Hesco barriers and if we need to pull the trigger on road closures, like Lemmon Drive or something like that we have the triggers in place and we'll do that. We're not expecting right now that this storm could do that, but if it does, we're ready."

But he says the public can help by clearing culverts and drainage channels where possible, calling the county if needed.

"We have hundreds of miles of drainage systems and culverts throughout the county. We do our best. We know where those flood prone areas are. We try to keep our eye on those, but the public is our best ears and eyes out there.

"So, I would just advise the public, if they see water over the roadway don't travel over the roadways. Be safe, be smart. Travel smart and, if they see anything call us at 328-2180."