LCSO Message of the Week: May 19, 2023 ~ Flood Warnings; Personnel Updates for LCSO & YPD

This has been a busy week in the life of the Sheriff’s Office! My command staff has been working with county Emergency Management in preparation for the much-awaited snow melt from the winter that would not quit.

From Southern Commander Ryan Powell:

With the rise in temperatures over the past few days, and prolonged warm weather in the forecast the snow is now rapidly melting, and the rivers are filling up. Both the Carson and Walker Rivers will see high flows and we are encouraging residents to stay safe and keep your distance from these rivers. The Walker River Basin had record amounts of snow fall and consequently the Walker River has the highest concern for flooding.

We will be utilizing inmate workers to fill sandbags and have them ready to protect critical infrastructure within Yerington to protect any flooding that we may encounter.

Our Search and Rescue team has been tasked with going door to door this weekend, in the flood prone areas of Yerington, urging residents to place sandbags around their doors and garages. The time of preparation has come and gone, now is the time to act and be prepared for potential flooding in and around the Walker River.

The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Warning for Yerington and we expect to see minor to moderate flooding in the flood prone areas. The river will remain high for most of the summer as there is still a lot of snow yet to melt off and come our way.

Additionally, Lyon County Commissioners declared a state of emergency on Thursday May 18, 2023, ahead of the expected high-water levels. This will allow county officials to better respond to any issues that will arise.

Emergency Manager Taylor Alison has coordinated a community wide effort to have citizen volunteers join together and fill sandbags for those who are not able. This event will take place this Saturday, May 20, 2023, in Yerington with the hope that we can fill as many sandbags as possible to help out community.

Residents are encouraged to visit one of the community self-fill sandbag locations:

· Smith Valley – 2308 NV-208, Smith, NV 89430 (by the Post Office)

· Dressler Park Community Arena – 2715 Hwy 208, Wellington, NV 89444

· City of Yerington Public Works 215 Towbridge Rd, Yerington, NV 89447 (behind Raleys)

· Lyon County Roads Yard – 18 Hwy 95A North, Yerington, NV 89447

· Mason Town Hall building – 55 Bridge Street, Mason, NV 89447

· Lyon County Fairgrounds – 100 US Highway 95A E, Yerington, NV 89447

Please bring your own shovel. Pre-filled sandbags will be available thanks to volunteers on a first come, first served basis at the Mason Town Hall location (55 Bridge Street, Mason, NV 89447).

Volunteer organizations interested in participating in the community sandbag event, please email tallison@lyon-county.org or call (775) 301-7289.

Additional information, including how to fill and place sandbags, is available on the 2023 Flood Information page of the Lyon County website. https://lyon-county.org/1074/2023-Flood-Information

Respectfully,

Sheriff Brad Pope