News Flash

News Home

Posted on: March 29, 2023

High-Water Town Hall Takeaways

Carson River flowing high at McLean Road.

Officials with Churchill County, Bureau of Reclamation, TCID and the City of Fallon briefed citizens regarding the expected high water/spring thaw events facing the local community this spring and early summer, noting that while there are some similarities to what was experienced in 2017, there are also significant differences and residents need to prepare now, especially if they live along the Carson River. 

Key Takeways

  • We must prepare for flooding now
  • This is different from 2017; we are not out of the woods 
  • If you live near the river, assess and act now
  • Stay informed, be prepared and have a plan

Situation in 2017

  • Flood events in January and February fell on dry land from previous years of drought allowing for more ground absorption
  • Farmers requested water deliveries at onset of the water season
  • Early spring warmth led to a longer melting season
  • Amount of water going into Lahontan Reservoir was about 2.5 times the reservoir’s capacity
  • Lahontan was emptied twice by September and was still full that fall
  • V-line weir, culverts under Highways 95 and 50, and Big Dig channel built to direct water flow out of Lahontan and around the populated areas of Churchill County and the City of Fallon

Situation in 2023

  • Ongoing atmospheric river events continue well through March leading to saturated soil
  • Farmers not requesting water deliveries since the ground is saturated from ongoing storms
  • Temperatures have remained cold, shortening the snowmelt window resulting in more water in a shorter time period when compared to 2017
  • Readings show approximately 1.1-million-acre feet of water held in the Sierra snowpack above 6,000 feet that has yet to melt
  • Potential for filling Lahontan Reservoir three times over
  • Planning for additional mitigation efforts beyond what was done in 2017 including: continued water releases, improving the berm near Pasture Road, cutting a second weir on the V-line canal, cleaning out the Big Dig channel 

Stay Informed

Free, pre-filled sandbags available for pick-up by residents weekdays from 10 a.m. to noon and 12:30-2 p.m. and again on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Contact the High-Water Call Center weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (775)867-5923 for non-emergency inquiries regarding high water such as sandbag availability, Lahontan Reservoir levels, weather forecasts, etc. 

All current high-water information is available on the Churchill County website: www.churchillcountynv.gov (click on blue tab at top of page), City of Fallon’s website: www.fallonnevada.gov (click on red ribbon near top of page) and TCID’s webpage at: www.tcid.org and on Churchill County’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Photo: Carson River at McLean bridge in late March 2023.


Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Home

Man tees off at Jim Regan Golf Tournament

Annual Jim Regan Golf Tournament Results

Posted on: September 27, 2023
3Q Employee Service_Priscilla Baker

Churchill County Recognizes Employees

Posted on: September 20, 2023
Wishing Tree distribution effort in 2020

Wishing Tree Program Ends

Posted on: September 19, 2023
Children receive school supplies from staff at the Churchill County School District.

Fallon Community Day Deemed A Success

Posted on: August 7, 2023
Old weir flow in mid-March 2023

High-Water Operations Continue

Posted on: April 6, 2023
High Water Call Center Number Established

High Water Call Center Established

Posted on: March 17, 2023
Pinwheels at base of Millennium Park's clock tower

April is Child Abuse Prevention Month

Posted on: March 16, 2023
Water in the V-line on Coleman

Ensure Insurance Policies Are Current

Posted on: March 10, 2023
Water through the V-line weir in 2017

High Water Operations Underway

Posted on: March 6, 2023
Myles with dog in forest_crop

Newest Commissioner Eager to Serve

Posted on: January 31, 2023
Pete Olsen portrait

‘It’s Been A Good Ride’

Posted on: January 4, 2023
ASL

ASL Anywhere Now Available For Nevadans

Posted on: December 27, 2022
Bus swearing in

Scharmann Sworn In As County Commissioner

Posted on: November 18, 2022
Mel Glover raises flags on the flagpole in front of the museum

Mel Glover Selected New Museum Director

Posted on: August 19, 2022
Hands in dirt

Virtual Classes Focusing on Soil Health

Posted on: August 12, 2022
Water in an irrigation  canal

Striking a Balance

Posted on: April 18, 2022
Person holding their head in their hands

Crisis Intervention Training Offered

Posted on: April 12, 2022
Fire truck cab on the assembly line

New Fire Engines Being Custom Built

Posted on: February 16, 2022
Older woman holds coffee mug

Powerful Tools For Caregivers Class

Posted on: October 25, 2021
Jack-o-lantern decor

County Departments Host Fall Events

Posted on: October 8, 2021
Flags on veteran head stones at cemetery

Members Needed For Cemetery Board

Posted on: October 5, 2021
Children surround a scarecrow they built

Scarecrow Factory Returns For Fall Fun

Posted on: October 4, 2021
Museum facade_travnev

Museum Offers Traditional Lifeways Classes

Posted on: September 30, 2021
Wishing tree distribution

Wishing Tree Applications Now Available

Posted on: September 21, 2021
1st county youth getting Pfizer vaccine

Need Folks Willing To Be Tested

Posted on: May 13, 2021
Three Easter eggs nestled together in grass

Great Easter Egg Hunt is April 3-11

Posted on: March 23, 2021
Commissioner Greg Koenig

Meet Commissioner Greg Koenig

Posted on: January 12, 2021