A week ago, the National Weather Service issued a flood watch in the Sierra Nevada that was in place through May 30. Even though the weather has warmed up quite a bit in the region, the NWS warned that slow moving rain showers and thunderstorms moving through the Northern Nevada region will create flash flooding. Excessive snow and water runoff from the mountaintops this past winter is already flooding nearby tributaries, creeks, and streams, exacerbated by recent rainstorms. The NWS also noted that additional debris flows are possible around burn-scarred urbanized locations.
According to snoflo.org, the Truckee River was observed at 36,774cfs and was expected to flow around 72,940 acre-ft. of water on May 30, approximately 263 percent above its normal amount. Average streamflow of the Truckee River at this time of the year is around 14,000cfs.
The last peak was observed in early May of 2017 when the flow was at 62,940cfs. “River levels are high,” the website reported.
Truckee River warnings began at the end of April when the Reno Fire Department and NWS cautioned of the “Big Melt” caused by warm temperatures evaporating the snow at a faster rate and ending up in the 121-mile-long tributary. They urged people to stay away from the river, as it is quite cold, flows fast, and people could easily be swept up in it and suffer from hypothermia. The fire department sent out its special Water Entry Team and motorized boats in anticipation of having to perform more rescues.
On May 23, the City of Sparks closed a section of the bike path from the eastern end of Rock Park to Glendale Park due to the Truckee River’s high flows and issued the following statement:
“The City would also like to remind the public that the Truckee River current is deceivingly swift and strong. It is recommended that people stay out of the river. If they choose to get in the water, they should wear a life vest and avoid consuming alcohol. The water is cold, and hypothermia can quickly reduce a person’s ability to swim.”
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