Heavy precipitation this winter and the runoff its created has Lyon County officials concerned about flooding.
According to Rob Loveberg, Lyon County Emergency Management coordinator, the mainstem of the Walker River in Mason Valley has already reached flood stage.
Snowmelt in the Walker River basin has required large releases from Bridgeport Reservoir and Topaz Lake on the east and west forks of the Walker River. These releases will cause the mainstem Walker River in Mason Valley to remain above flood stage and cause minor to moderate lowland flooding through this week.
The highest flows of the melt season in the Walker River basin are expected between today and June 25, according to the National Weather Service.
It is currently expected that the highest threat of flooding on the Walker River and its tributaries will be during this period., said Loveberg.
With that in mind, he said, parents should advise their children to stay out of rivers and streams and adults should be extremely careful.
"This is especially important during the spring snow melt season when water temperatures are very cold, the water is flowing fast and the water is deep," said Loveberg. "Do not recreate in or around rivers or streams unless you are properly trained and have all of the necessary safety equipment. Do not drive vehicles through flooded areas as rushing water can easily sweep vehicles away."
Loveberg said Lyon County will continue to monitor river levels, prepare for flooding and provide information to residents.
Loveberg recommended that people living in low-lying areas along both the Carson and Walker rivers take necessary precautions to prepare for possible moderate flooding.
Lyon County and the City of Yerington have initiated preparations for flooding on the Walker River, and Lyon County has also initiated preparations for flooding on the Carson River. Residents can get sand and sandbags at the locations listed below. These are "self-service" locations and citizens need to be prepared to fill and transport sandbags on their own:
Mason Valley
• Lyon County Road Yard at 18 Highway 95 Alternate North, Yerington (north side of office, outside fence)
• At the corner of South Whitacre Street & Bridge Street in Yerington.
• City of Yerington Yard at Trowbridge Street in Yerington.
• Mason Town Hall at 51 Bridge Street in Mason
Smith Valley
• Fire Station - Hardie Lane at Highway 208
• Lyon County Road Yard on Day Lane
• NDOT Mixing Strip - Highway 208 and Upper Colony Road
Dayton
• River Street, at the County Park (on the Northeast side near the sidewalk)
• 11 Harbor Road (on the west side of the road next to the chain link fence)
• 19 Marina Drive (on the north side of road next to the stucco fence and before the metal gate)
• Senior Center, 320 Old Dayton Valley Road (on the west side)
• Lyon County Utilities, South Dayton Wastewater Treatment Facility, 200 Lakes Blvd.
• Fire Station 39, Dayton Valley Road
• Mark Twain at 404 Keystone Drive (behind the Lyon Utilities well house)
Loveberg reminds residents that if immediate emergency services should be needed, to call 9-1-1. Those with non-urgent matters or requests can call the non-emergency line at 775-463-6620 in Yerington, Mason Valley or Smith Valley, or 577-5023 in Dayton, Stagecoach, Silver Springs, Silver City and Mound House.