Washoe County and FEMA update Swan Lake and Silver Lake floodplain risk maps using latest mapping technology to inform residents of flood risks

Dec 27, 2024

Washoe County and FEMA update Swan Lake and Silver Lake floodplain risk maps using latest mapping technology to inform residents of flood risks

Washoe County, in alignment with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) requirements and obligations, has updated flood hazard information using the latest data and mapping technology in the Swan Lake and Silver Lake areas of Washoe County. The remapping effort focuses on updating the FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRM) that identify the 1 percent risk (100-year) flood risks around Swan Lake and Silver Lake. This is one of several areas in Washoe County to be analyzed and remapped. 

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Hidden Valley flood cleanup underway

Jul 25, 2024

Hidden Valley flood cleanup underway

Washoe County Roads crews are all-hands-on deck cleaning up the mud flow and debris caused by a flash flood on Sunday, July 21. They expect to continue cleanup operations for the next couple of weeks, but the roads are passable. Approximately 100 homes were affected. Residents may push any mud, rocks, sticks, and other natural debris into the gutter by Wednesday, July 31, and CSD crews will dispose of it. Household debris is not allowed.  

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Lakeside Drive to be closed for culvert replacement project

Feb 13, 2024

Lakeside Drive to be closed for culvert replacement project

A portion of Lakeside Drive in Reno will be closed for approximately seven weeks as Washoe County Community Services Department replaces storm drainage pipes.

Closures will begin on February 15 on Lakeside Drive between Evans Creek and Davis lane. During the road closure period, traffic message boards will be located at two locations on South McCarren Boulevard and one traffic message board on Lakeside and Davis Lane. Motorists are advised to follow the designated detour route.

Please note that the above road closure and detour plan are subject to change. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your cooperation. For further inquiries or updates, please call Washoe311 at 3-1-1 or email washoe311@washoecounty.gov. 

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Image of cars on a snowy street. Washoe County Community Services Department Logo.
Tips for winter weather in Washoe County

Jan 10, 2024

Tips for winter weather in Washoe County

Washoe County Roads is talented, but the best service is done in partnership with the community. While the crew is focused on public roads and access, residents also play a key role in keeping our community safe. How fast and efficient we complete snow control measures is largely dependent on support within our community. If each of us did the following, countless hours would be saved removing snow and ice from our roadways.

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Washoe County will be installing security fencing to protect North Spanish Springs Detention Facility

Aug 23, 2023

Washoe County will be installing security fencing to protect North Spanish Springs Detention Facility

Washoe County Community Services Department (CSD) will be installing perimeter security fencing around the North Spanish Springs Floodplain Detention Facility, starting in October. This project will both protect the facility and infrastructure and reduce the sound and dust impacts around the facility.

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Washoe County prepares for atmospheric river and localized flooding

The National Weather Service has forecast an atmospheric river in the Reno-Tahoe region beginning Thursday. This is expected to bring heavy rainfall on top of a significant snowpack and full creeks and ditches. Washoe County has been preparing for winter weather, monitoring conditions and proactively initiating preplanned responses in known trouble areas.  

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Mar 8, 2023

Washoe County offers online appointment reservations with CSD

CSD is making it easier for residents to connect with experts in the fields of planning, engineering, and building at no charge to discuss their development projects. This is an opportunity to meet online, on the phone, or in person one-on-one with these experts. 

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Mar 3, 2023

Storm water preparations at Swan Lake

We are well into a new year, and “atmospheric river” is the phrase of the day. We have seen back-to-back storms bring a mix of snow and rain to the entire region and in some areas we have already seen localized flooding. In response the Washoe County Community Services Department (CSD) is in a “monitor and measured response” status. What does this mean? 

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Jan 13, 2023

Washoe County Community Services Department storm update

About half the CSD on-call crew was called in this morning to manage water of the roadway at Sierra Manor and Monte Vista. With the rain turning to snow at higher elevations, crews are switching to plowing as needed. Additionally, Incline Village received 3”-5” of snow early this morning and there is a full crew plowing in the north Lake Tahoe area.   

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Dec 31, 2022

Washoe County Community Services Department prepares for series of winter storms

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the coming week, with five wet storm systems bringing significant rain (1”-4") to lower elevations and snow to the mountains. Washoe County Community Services Department (CSD) developed an operations plan for the storm events and is prepared to mitigate localized flooding.  

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Dec 30, 2022

Washoe County reminds residents to prepare for seasonal flooding

With summer rapidly approaching and temperatures rising, flooding is a topic often overlooked in the high-desert climate of Washoe County. However, this is the exact time of year that the Washoe County Community Services Department is reminding residents to prepare for localized seasonal flooding and secure their flood insurance before it’s too late.

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Jun 24, 2022

Washoe County to remove Swan Lake flood barriers and begin restoration along Lemmon Drive

Washoe County will begin the final removal of HESCO barriers along Lemmon Drive today, and restore the roadway slopes and stormwater ditches along the route. The work will start on the southern end of Lemmon Drive around Patrician Drive and work north over the next several months, removing flood barriers and restoring driveways, removing trash and waste materials, and restoring roadsides and stormwater ditches.

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Nov 15, 2021