The West Fork of the Carson River hit minor flood stage this morning. That crest could hit Centerville later this morning. A flood warning is in effect until 9 a.m. Monday.
Genoa, Nev. — Rain running off into Pine Nut Creek is creating a mess in Fish Springs. I haven’t heard a report from Ruhenstroth, yet, but I wager Smelter Creek has some water running in it. The Road Department has closed Jo Lane, and don’t be surprised to see more closures out that way.
The flood warning has extended until 9 a.m. as the storm intensified this morning. Forecasters are warning residents there’s a chance of flash flooding and debris flows along Highway 395 from Minden to Mammoth Lakes.
I measured 3.55 inches in my gauge a mile north of Genoa at 5:45 a.m., not counting what I spilled. I take a photo every time I take a reading and then dump the rain out. Since last Monday, Genoa has received 4.21 inches of rain and it’s still coming down this morning.
The West Fork is up to minor flooding stage at 13.51 feet as of this morning at Woodfords, but Centerville and Mottsville lanes are still high and dry. That may not continue to be the case as there’s a few hours delay before the crest arrives down stream. The East Fork is below the action stage this morning and isn’t forecast to reach even minor flooding.
If you’re commute takes you into the mountains today, take it slow. The cold air arrived early and it’s snowing heavily on Kingsbury and on Highway 50. “The roads are stupid up here,” I heard one deputy say. The traffic cameras bear that out.
Every day this week is a snow day for Douglas County schools, as they’re on fall break. The Nevada Day holiday is Friday with the parade on Saturday and Trick or Treating on Sunday.
The two finalists for Douglas County Public Library director are scheduled to meet with the public 5-6:30 p.m. at the Carson Valley Community and Senior Center, assuming all goes as planned. The Minden library is closing at 4:30 p.m.
Rain is forecast to continue before 11 a.m. with the snow level dropping from 6,200 to 5,600 feet, which should help turn off the tap. Expect a high temperature of 48 degrees with new precipitation of up to a half inch. We might see a little snow in the Valley tonight.
Kurt Hildebrand is editor of The Record-Courier. Reach him at khildebrand@recordcourier.com
