PROJECT ALERT NOTICE (CA NV) Flooding expected in Walker River Basin

Date: Fri, 19 May 2017 17:06:31 EDT

Summary: Major flooding from snowmelt runoff expected in Walker River Basin, Nevada and California

A historic snowpack coupled with upcoming high temperatures in the 80s is forecast to produce major to record flooding in the Walker River Basin in California and Nevada starting on Tuesday of next week. Three field teams will be deployed this weekend to install two emergency gages upstream and downstream of Topaz Lake so the reservoir can be more carefully operated in consideration of downstream flooding. Early next week, instruments will be raised at three gaging stations in anticipation of high water levels. Flood measurements will be made throughout next week as flows increase on the Walker River. The installation of emergency gages is being coordinated with the Walker River Irrigation District and the National Weather Service California-Nevada River Forecast Center.