Flooding in Douglas County

Is Your Property in a Flood Zone?
The Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), as designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, represents the 100-year regulatory floodplain.  This means that in any given year, your property has a one-in-100 chance of becoming flooded.  But all homes, in and out of the SFHA, are subject to smaller floods, which have a higher percent chance of occurring in any given year.  To find out if your home is located within the SFHA and information about flood zones in Douglas County, please go to the Douglas County GIS Flood Zone Viewer.  You may also email Douglas County Stormwater Division or call the Stormwater Program Manager at (775) 782-6215.

Flood Awareness 
Douglas County recognizes flooding as an issue that our residents face each year and provides the following information to bring awareness to both the causes of flooding and recommendations for what residents can help do to prepare should you encounter a flash flood. 

Precipitation in Douglas County falls onto three major drainage basins or watersheds: the Carson River, Walker River and Lake Tahoe basins.  Flooding in Douglas County is a natural process that occurs on a regular basis.  It is also one of the most devastating and costly natural events that our communities face.  Serious flooding can happen approximately every 10-20 years, and often occurs after rain-on-snow events or summer thunderstorms.

The small creeks and the typically dry washes that flow into the Carson Valley from the surrounding mountains are susceptible to occasional flash floods. From their canyons or ravines, a wall of water can rush onto the Valley floor just minutes or hours after an intense summer thundershower has drenched the headwaters a few miles upstream. These alluvial fan floods are normally associated with intense summer thunderstorms. Localized flooding occurs during these larger storm events, that are common in the Northern Nevada high-desert environment.

• If you come upon flood waters, stop, turn around, and go another way. Climb to higher ground. If water is moving swiftly, even water six inches deep can knock you off your feet. Many people are swept away wading through flood waters, resulting in injury or death.
• Stay away from flooded areas. Even if it seems safe, flood waters may still be rising.
• If flooding occurs, get to higher ground. Get out of areas subject to flooding. This includes dips, low spots, drainage ditches, canyons, washes etc.
• Road beds may be washed out under flood waters. NEVER drive through flooded roadways - you do not know the condition of the road under the water. Turn around, don't drown.
• Do not walk through moving water. Six inches of moving water can make you fall. If you have to walk in water, walk where the water is not moving. Use a stick to check the firmness of the ground in front of you.
• Do not drive into flooded areas. If floodwaters rise around your car, abandon the car and move to higher ground if you can do so safely. You and the vehicle can be quickly swept away.
• Six inches of water will reach the bottom of most passenger cars, causing loss of control and possible stalling.
• A foot of water will float many vehicles.
• Two feet of rushing water can carry away most vehicles, including sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and pick-ups.
• Stay away from creeks and stream banks in flooded and recently flooded areas. The soaked banks often become unstable due to heavy rainfall and can suddenly give way, tossing you into rapidly moving water.
• Never play around high water, storm drains, ditches, ravines, or culverts. It is very easy to be swept away by fast moving water.
• Throw away all food that has come into contact with flood waters. Contaminated flood water contains bacteria and germs. Eating foods exposed to flood waters can make you very sick.
• Keep a first aid kit on hand. An up-to-date emergency kit is always recommended.

Alerts and Evacuation
In case of a flooding emergency, the County may use different means to alert you to the situation and possible evacuation routes.  Emergency Communications Personnel may use our Reverse 911 system to call and alert you if there is a potential hazard or need to evacuate.  Listen carefully to evacuation information and instructions on how to get help if you need evacuation assistance.  To register for the Reverse 911 service, please visit 911 Emergency Services.   For timely information during large storm events, or if you hear sirens, turn on a television or radio and tune to a local station to find out information about emergency and evacuation routes.  The emergency broadcast stations for Douglas County are KKFT 99.1 FM and KRLT FM 93.9.

Visit Douglas County Emergency Management  for more information on flooding events, alerts, and evacuation information.  Additionally, Nevada Floods. Are You Prepared? – Tips for Douglas County Residents contains alert, preparedness, and protection information.  

Additional Resources
Sandbag Locations in Douglas County 
Flood Warning and Response Plan