Washoe Lake Dam imminent threat now downgraded to watch

Monitoring will continue

Update as of 6.18.18 at 5:45 p.m.

Working in collaboration with partners, work is ongoing to slow the leak at the dam site, by utilizing varying sizes of rock to plug the leak, therefore reducing the threat of low-level flooding. The work to the dam is being overseen by the Nevada State Engineers Office of Dam Safety.

Officials referred to the Dam Emergency Action Plan for the Washoe Lake Dam, getting experts on site, conducting an analysis and mitigation for the last several hours. The Washoe Lake Dam threat has been downgraded from imminent threat to a watch.

The watch will be in effect until further notice with state and county officials monitoring continuously. All precautions are in place, including sand and sandbag locations, which can be found on the Washoe County website, by visiting this page or clicking here: https://www.washoecounty.us/outreach/2018/06/2018-06-18-potential-breach.php

Press briefing information, as of 6.18.18 at 4:10 p.m.:

What: Press briefing for potential Washoe Lake Dam

Where: Old hwy 395, near the Washoe City limit (near city limit sign). Please use caution when parking, area is congested. 

When: June 18, 2018 at 5 p.m.

Subject matter experts will be available with up-to-date information during this briefing. 

Update as of 6.18.18 at 3:55 p.m.

The following is a list of sandbag locations available throughout unincorporated Washoe County for the potential Washoe Lake Dam breach. Sandbags are now available:

• Washoe County Operations Yard, 3101 Longley Lane, Reno
• Highland Ranch Parkway, one mile west of Pyramid Hwy, Sparks
• Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District Station #30 at 3905 Old Hwy 395, Washoe Valley
• Gander Lane and Eastlake Blvd. in Washoe Valley
• Paddlewheel and Andrew Lanes in Pleasant Valley
• Toll Road and Geiger Grade
• Truckee Meadows Fire Lemmon Valley Volunteer Station #223 at 130 Nectar Street
• Arizona and Lemmon Drive in Lemmon Valley
• Blue Heron/ Warrior Lane in Belli Ranch Area
• TMFPD Hidden Valley Fire Station
• Red Rock Volunteer Fire Station

Update as of 6.18.18 at 3:15 p.m.

Potential Washoe Lake Dam breach could affect Steamboat Creek area. Residents advised to prepare for flooding similar to Feb. 2017 if dam were to breach. Washoe County Community Services Division is currently setting up sandbag locations and will be announced shortly.

Reno, Nev. June 18, 2018. According to Nevada Division of Water Resources, after a routine insepction today, it was determined that the Washoe Lake Dam is in danger of potentially breaching. Should the Washoe Lake Dam breach, Steamboat Creek area would be flooded. The dam is showing signs of potential compromise, and residents are asked in this area, to please be prepared to evacuate when notified.

Updates will be forthcoming as more information is available.