In response to record breaking snowpack conditions in the Sierra Nevada, Reclamation is working with Churchill County, city of Fallon, and Truckee-Carson Irrigation District to implement proactive measures to help mitigate flooding this spring.

“Public safety is our number one focus when making operational decisions,” said Jack Worsley, Lahontan Basin Area Manager. “We are in regular communication with our local partners as well as the state of Nevada to ensure our actions are aligned in managing the unprecedented amount of snowmelt anticipated this year.”

A precautionary emergency declaration was made in early March by both Churchill County and the city of Fallon to establish the Emergency Operations Center in preparation for flood mitigation efforts due to elevated snowpack. Snow water equivalent in the Carson Basin is at 294% of median as of April 4.

Reclamation, working with the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, began making precautionary releases from Lahontan Reservoir on March 6 to make room for incoming flows. Heavy inflows from additional storms and snowmelt are expected this spring and to continue through the end of July. 

To make room for projected inflow into Lahontan Reservoir and to increase the ability to safely move high volumes of water out of the Carson Valley, Reclamation is designing and overseeing the construction of a second weir and reinforcements on the V-Line Canal. 

Construction of the weir is expected to begin in early April and be completed by mid-May. Modification of the V-Line Canal will assist in diverting higher volumes of water through Carson Lake, bypassing the city of Fallon.

The public is encouraged to use caution around Lahontan Dam and Reservoir as well as the Carson River throughout the spring and summer season as operational adjustments will continue as necessary and may occur on short notice.

For additional information, contact Jack Worsley at (775) 882-3436.

Original source can be found here.