County, city declare state of emergency

Churchill County and the city of Fallon declared a state of emergency today so local agencies will be able to maximize resources available from the state.

Both county and city officials emphasize there is no immediate threat to any area of the community. The combined government team is concerned a significant amount of water will flow on government land southeast of Sheckler Reservoir and eventually cross U.S. Highway 95 to Carson Lake.

A spokesman from the combined government team said efforts are being made by the Nevada Department of Transportation to reduce the impact to the highway. The Truckee-Carson Irrigation District has previously reported water in that area will remain for several months.

Rusty Jardine, TCID’s executive director, said Thursday the precautionary drawdown of the Lahontan Reservoir is in progress with water being released in the Carson River. He said increased flows should be expected. For example, he said the river flow at Bafford Lane is 773 cubic feet per second.

“We have a true river once again,” Jardine said of the Carson River’s flow. “We encourage residents along the river to take caution and keep an eye on children.”

Jardine said the Lahontan Dam 18 miles west of Fallon is an earth-filled embankment structure on the Carson River. He added the dam is in very good condition and may be expected to perform well during the upcoming spring runoff season or a seismic event.

Jardine said an emergency safety spill is being installed on the V-Line Canal, which will be used to release water sometime between today and Wednesday onto federal land south of Sheckler Reservoir. He added TCID and the county road department will begin pouring cement today and Saturday to shore up the canal’s structure.

The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) said the new safety spill will provide added safety to the more densely populated areas. This water is expected to reach Highway 95 south and may cross the highway after the V-Line release point becomes operational.

Jardine said some homeowners who may be affected by the water have been notified.

For all persons interested in obtaining Whole-Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) or residential flood insurance, TCID stated important eligibility deadlines will apply, including the effective date of coverage. People are encouraged to contact an insurance carrier of their own choosing immediately for further information; furthermore, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency website contains information and agents for farm insurance programs.

The 10-day weather forecast shows snow falling in the higher elevations over the weekend with 1-2 inches on the valley floor. Many areas of the Sierra report snow depths of more than 200 percent above normal.