All Crystal Bay/Third Creek Avalanche Alerts Now Lifted

An update from Washoe County Emergency Management

Update as of 3.17.18 at 8:45 a.m.:

All Crystal Bay/Third Creek Avalanche Alerts Now Lifted

The significant avalanche danger has passed for the Crystal Bay/Third Creek area, and all Avalanche Alerts have been lifted. Citizens can resume normal activities. As always, caution on slopes above neighborhoods is recommended.

Update as of 4:15 p.m.:

Currently there is a Stage 2 Avalanche Alert for the Crystal Bay / Third Creek areas in Incline Village. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities in these areas. 

This alert is expected to remain in effect throughout the night into tomorrow morning.

As conditions change, Washoe County Emergency Management will alert our residents in all affected areas through a reverse-dial phone call. To sign up to receive reverse-dial phone calls, please click here to sign up for CodeRED phone alerts.

Update as of 3:00 p.m.:

Currently we are in a Stage 2 Avalanche Alert for the Crystal Bay / Third Creek areas in Incline Village.

Be Informed:

Stage 2 Avalanche Alert Action: In a Stage 2 Avalanche alert, if you choose to evacuate, please do so now or within the next 2-4 hours. 

The next and final alert is a Stage 3 Avalanche Alert.

Stage 3 Avalanche Alert Action: A Stage 3 Avalanche alert signifies a shelter-in-place alert and a warning to NOT leave your home for up to 24 hours. 

"During an avalanche alert, Washoe County Emergency Management will alert our residents in all affected areas through a reverse-dial phone call. To sign up to receive reverse-dial phone calls, please click here to sign up for CodeRED phone alerts," says Aaron Kenneston, Washoe County Emergency Manager.

Update as of 2:00 p.m.:

Stage 2 Avalanche Warning issued for Crystal Bay & Third Creek areas in Incline Village

Washoe County Emergency Management raises alert

Reno, Nev. March 16, 2018. Per the Washoe County Emergency Management avalanche expert, due to weather conditions and forecasted incoming weather conditions, today’s Stage 1 Avalanche Warning has been elevated to a Stage 2 Avalanche Warning for the residents of Crystal Bay/Third Creek subdivisions.

A Stage 2 warning means that a significant storm has arrived and should it continue, may produce avalanches that could affect homes and facilities in the Crystal Bay/Third Creek areas. No avalanche danger currently exists, however, it may be only a matter of 4 to 6 hours before it does. Residents who wish to leave their homes, should do so in the next few hours. Snow removal personnel will begin to wrap up their work.

Crystal Bay

At this time anyone in or near the Crystal Bay subdivisions should plan to avoid accessing the Upper E. Tuscarora, Teresa Ct., Gochute, Amagosa, N.Pahute and the Wassou entrance at Highway 28 within the next 4 to 6 hours. These streets may be closed should conditions worsen. All residents in Crystal Bay should plan to begin accessing the upper subdivision from the Lakeview and Beowawe entrances.

Third Creek

Pedestrian activity of any kind is not recommended anywhere in the Third Creek area of upper Jennifer St and above.

Recreational skiers pose a significant risk to themselves, their party, and residents below in the Crystal Bay and Third Creek areas.

Update as of 8:45 a.m.:

Stage 1 Avalanche alert issued for Crystal Bay/Third Creek Area at Incline Village

Normal operations at Washoe County Administration Offices, however citizens and staff are asked to use caution when traveling.

Reno, Nev. March 16, 2018. A Stage One Avalanche Alert has been issued for the Crystal Bay/Third Creek area at Incline.  It is the lowest alert, but warns residents in that area to be prepared.

Washoe County’s Avalanche expert reports that the snowfall intensity and totals, along with strong winds were more than expected last night, and snow depths are now covering the anchors in Crystal Bay. The levels are being monitored; should the storm continue at this strength throughout the day, the avalanche warnings could go to Stage 2 this afternoon, and Stage 3 by nightfall.

Washoe County Road crews worked throughout the morning hours plowing roads, and will continue through the evening commute, as winter weather conditions persist. 

The roads division plows streets based on pre-determined priority usage.  For a map of the routes click here. 

“We’ve been monitoring the weather this week and have been preparing for this March storm, says Assistant County Manager Dave Solaro. “Yesterday our crews applied some brine throughout the county roads, which will make our job much easier today.” 

The following is a current list of Washoe County Roads crews in operation: 

• Valley: 19 units  
• Incline: 10 units  
• Gerlach: 3 units   

Crews will continue to work throughout the weekend, as needed, to clear roads.

It is our intent to plow throughout the day and into the evening commute hours.   

For more information on weather and current conditions, go to NWS Reno.