Officials watch for flooding on west side

Rain and wind on Wednesday caused city crews to once again keep a close eye on canyon areas, especially those on Carson City's fire-damaged west side.

"We have some very saturated material on the hillsides, but the revegetation is holding up," said Curtis Horton, water operations chief, of the restoration work done on the hillsides after the July 2004 Waterfall fire. "There are no guarantees whether or not it will slide. All we can do is keep an eye on it."

Material from Ash Canyon was falling into the creek below, Curtis said. Combs, Kings and Vicee canyons also were being monitored Wednesday.

Wednesday's storm seemed to linger on the west side. A slow-moving storm can drop significant amounts of water on some areas and not reach others, depending on the path it takes, Horton said.

The most flooded road was the intersection of Telegraph and Mountain streets. The Silver Sage and Roop streets junction also flooded.

Because the drainage system in that area is older, it "doesn't handle big flows as well," he said.

Horton also warned residents to watch for debris and other storm-related hazards.

"When it's dark outside and you're strolling among the cottonwoods, you don't really know if a tree limb is leaning on a power line," he warned. "Don't go wandering out."

The Fire Department and area power company employees also are watching for storm-related hazards and will relay their discoveries to the city, but residents also are asked to report any potential hazards they stumble on.

State crews were watching Highway 395 in Washoe Valley north of Carson City, said Scott Magruder, spokesman for the Nevada Department of Transportation. There were high wind warnings for Wednesday evening, but no major road incidents or road closures reported during the day.

The National Weather Service predicts more rain and wind beginning late today or Friday.

Cold evening temperatures, Magruder warned, will bring ice to many area roads.

For your information

Residents are asked to call if the city if they see any unusual flood conditions, though it is emphasized that they not go out specifically to find hazards.

Call 887-2355 during office hours and 887-2343 after hours to report hazards.

-- The Nevada Department of Transportation again warned of the potential for ice on the roads. To check road conditions, call 1-877-687-6237 (1-877-NVROADS) or go to www.nevadadot.com/traveler