Wet winter means water higher, colder than past

Following this year's wet winter, area rivers, lakes and streams are deeper and faster moving than years past, and officials are warning people to take precautions this Memorial Day weekend.

"This water's really cold. It's coming right off the snow so there's the risk of hypothermia and most people have no idea about the force of the water," said Mark Struble, spokesman for the Bureau of Land Management. "If you stay out, you'll stay alive."

Thousands of campers expected to converge on Lahontan Reservoir for the extended weekend will have a foot-and-a-half more water to contend with, said David Overvold, project manager for the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District.

Last Memorial Day weekend, the popular spot for sailing, tubing, camping and wake boarding, was the site of two drownings.

Tim Easley, 21, of Virginia City is believed to have drowned after struggling to swim shortly after jumping off a friend's boat. The following day, Jonathan Z. Luttrell, 21, drowned May 30 near Beach 7. It took more than a week to recover the bodies.

This year, the lake is reaching farther up the reservoir's 69 miles of shoreline, said Dave Overvold.

"It's fairly full, there were years back in 1995 until 1999 that it was this full, but we haven't seen it since then," he said. This weekend's expected winds of between 10 and 25 mph may also play a role in the danger of the water.

"They will create a lot of wave action out on the lake," he said.

Overvold also warned people to stay out of the canals, which are also higher thanks to the wet winter.

"The water isn't the best quality for swimming - it's murky and there's a lot of sediment in it so you can't see what lies below," he said.

The East Fork of the Carson River is also brimming at its banks and law- enforcement officials are reminding everyone to be careful when they are near any body of water, including small streams.

"Last year we had a toddler drown in four-feet of water," said Carson City Sheriff's Lt. Bob White. "People need to take precautions."

According to National SAFE KIDS Campaign, drownings and near-drownings tend to occur on the weekend, with 66 percent happening between the months of May and August, and older children are more likely to drown in open water sites, such as lakes, rivers and oceans.

"We want people to be able to go out and have fun this weekend, but at the same time, people need to be aware of the dangers involved in some of the activities available," said Sheriff Ken Furlong.

Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.

Top 10 River

Safety Tips

1. Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return, and where to call if you don't.

2. Make sure that your water skills and experience are equal to the river and the conditions.

3. Never boat alone.

4. Wear a Coast Guard approved type III-V, properly adjusted lifejacket at all times when you are in or near the river.

5. Know your limits of swimmer rescue and self rescue on rivers.

6. Know when and how to swim for the eddy.

7. Reduce injuries by wearing protective footwear and proper clothing designed for river recreation.

8. Be prepared for extremes in weather, especially cold.

9. Know about hypothermia and how it can affect you.

10. Plan your trip and stick to your plan.

SOURCE: REMSA