Minden, NV – Douglas County continues to respond to localized flooding impacting all areas of the County. On Monday, March 13, the National Weather Service predicted another atmospheric river event bringing widespread strong winds, periods of heavy rain and snow, and renewed flooding concerns, prompting public safety and County administration to close physical County offices Tuesday, March 14. The decision was made to proactively keep residents off the roads, lessen the impacts of hazardous commuting, and to allow for responding public safety and public works crews to concentrate on localized flooding. The weather did not produce the precipitation predicted; however, the Emergency Operations Center was prepared to respond should conditions had worsened.
Based off the most-recent weather report issued today, the County will reopen offices Wednesday, March 15, and resume regular business.
Although County offices were closed, Emergency Operations staff continued to monitor the following areas: Buckeye/Dangberg Reservoir due to possible reservoir overflow, Leviathan Mine area which was severely impacted by extensive flooding, and severe damage to Fish Springs Road potentially blocking access. In addition, the County responded to structure damages from snow loads, restocked sand and sandbags, prioritized incoming calls on the flood line, assisted evacuated residents and animals, and deployed Search and Rescue teams to assist isolated residents.
Damage assessment teams have been deployed throughout the County and they continue to focus on capturing the extent and severity of damage to property, streamlining the evaluation of the need for additional resources and acquisition of local and state resources.
The Precautionary Evacuation Warning for Buckeye/Dangberg Reservoir remains in effect for monitoring and will be reevaluated on Wednesday, March 15. The Douglas County Community and Senior Center will remain open as a shelter until 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 14. For the most up-to-date flooding and road closure information please visit: https://bit.ly/3Lb8jao
Disaster Declaration
The Douglas County Board of County Commissioners declared a local state of emergency to seek assistance from the Nevada Governor and state agencies during the current flooding incident. A declaration of a local emergency allows the County to request additional resources from the state and federal governments as available to assist in response and recovery efforts. The emergency declaration does not guarantee funding, but helps the County pursue requesting assistance from the state and federal government to help with recovery and repair to public infrastructure.
It is very important that our residents continue to report damage they see to public infrastructure such as culverts, drains, and roads. Damage can be reported by calling 775-783-6038 or by using our damage assessment tool.
Click here for the County’s Flood Resource page, which includes the most up-to-date information. Also, follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.