YERINGTON, NV – Lyon County has initiated preparations for possible flooding on the Walker and Carson Rivers.

Lyon County Emergency Management recommends that persons in low lying areas along both the Carson and Walker Rivers take necessary precautions to prepare for possible moderate to major flooding this spring. Persons living or owning property along both rivers should carefully monitor water levels.

The National Weather Service advises that warmer weather predicted for next week and warmer springtime temperatures have the potential for causing snowmelt in amounts that will result in flooding along the Walker and Carson Rivers within Lyon County.

The Weather Service predicts that next week’s temperatures will be in the 60’s in Lyon County and in the 50’s in the Sierras. This will likely raise river levels to near flood stage on the Walker River. Any extended periods of warm temperatures have the potential to cause substantial flooding.

The Bridgeport Reservoir and Topaz Lake are near capacity. Although water is being released to make room for snowmelt, the snowpack contains more water than these reservoirs can hold. Excess flows will cause the Walker River to rise above flood stage.

The Carson River does not have upstream storage. Snowmelt caused by warmer temperatures will cause the Carson River levels to rise.

Lyon County will continue to monitor river levels, prepare for possible flooding and provide information to the citizens of Lyon County.
Lyon County has placed sand and sandbags for public use at the following locations:

Smith Valley
Smith Valley Road Yard on Day Lane
NDOT mixing strip at SR 208 and Upper Colony Road
Fire Station at SR 208 and Hardie Lane
Mason Valley
Yerington Road Yard
Mason Town Hall