Monitoring and Response to Changing Water Levels
Monitoring
Washoe County is proactive and prepared to respond to water level changes within closed basins and stormwater conveyance systems (ditches) throughout unincorporated Washoe County. Increased elevations of water levels within our closed basins and lakes trigger additional operations, public safety and protection measures.
Within closed basins and along roadside ditches, please expect the following during the spring months as snow melts:
- Operations crews proactively removing debris from roadways and drainage systems
- Installation of protections to maintain critical infrastructure within Washoe County right-of-way
- Changes to your normal traffic route and speed limits
- Staging of additional resources to assist community preparation for weather events
- Additional Operations, Engineering, and Public Safety team members more visible on our roadways as they monitor and prepare
Ditches
Our ditches are common areas of flooding within our communities. Many ditches in the southern portion of the county near Toll Road, Geiger Grade, Whites Creek and Thomas Creek are prone to flooding. Most flooding potential comes from irrigation ditches. To mitigate flooding, crews visit and monitor the ditches prior to storms to ensure that they are as debris-free as possible and then sandbag known problem areas.
Lakes
Washoe County lakes are also susceptible to flooding. Depending on the jurisdiction the lake lies in, different agencies play a lead role in monitoring. Read about efforts to monitor and prepare for rising water levels in Swan Lake and Silver Lake.
Response
During storm events, field crews within the community respond to the potential for rising water from rain or snow events. To see the plan in action, learn about a significant rising water threat near Lemmon Valley and Swan Lake from March 2023 and learn how Washoe County prepared, responded and informed the community about actions it took to mitigate damage. Quick action was again needed in July 2024 in response to the Hidden Valley Flash Flooding event.
Please be alert for extra personnel and equipment within the area for storm events. Register for regional alerts from our emergency operations center and then sign up below to be sent storm water response updates.