Flood Watch

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Reno NV
314 PM PDT Tue Apr 4 2017

CAZ073-051200-
/O.NEW.KREV.WS.A.0005.170407T0700Z-170409T0000Z/
Mono County-
Including the cities of Bridgeport and Mammoth Lakes
314 PM PDT Tue Apr 4 2017

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY AFTERNOON...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Winter Storm
Watch, which is in effect from late Thursday night through
Saturday afternoon.

* Timing: Heavy wet snow developing before daybreak Friday in the
Sierra, continuing at pass elevations and areas west of Highway
395 such as Mammoth Lakes through Friday, and becoming more
widespread for communities along Highway 395 Friday night
through Saturday. Snow should taper to showers by sundown
Saturday.

* Snow Levels: There is a larger than normal uncertainty in snow
level predictions with this storm which has a great impact on
snow accumulations and impacts. Current projections have snow
level starting 7000-8000 feet Friday, falling to 6000-7000 feet
by Saturday morning.

* Snow Accumulations: Potential for several feet of heavy wet snow
along the Sierra Crest and Mammoth Mountain, generally above
8500 feet. 10 to 20 inches in Mammoth Lakes and passes on
Highway 395. 2 to 5 inches for Lee Vining and Bridgeport.

* Winds: Strong southwest winds areawide, with gusts Thursday
night through Saturday morning ranging from 45-60 mph along
Highway 395 to well over 100 mph along the higher mountain peaks
and ridges.

* Impacts: Significant travel disruptions Friday around Mammoth
Lakes and at pass elevations along Highway 395 including Conway,
Deadman, and Devils Gate. Travel disruptions becoming more
widespread in Mono County Friday night into Saturday. Heavy wet
snow and strong winds could lead to tree falls and power
outages.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Now is the time to prepare an emergency kit for your home and
car. If traveling consider alternate plans, remember to carry
tire chains, extra food, water and clothing. Once the storm
arrives, travel may be difficult or impossible for an extended
period of time.

&&

$$

National Weather Service Reno NV
314 PM PDT Tue Apr 4 2017

CAZ071>073-NVZ002-003-051200-
/O.NEW.KREV.FA.A.0005.170407T1200Z-170408T1800Z/
/00000.0.RS.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties-
Greater Lake Tahoe Area-Mono County-Greater Reno-Carson City-
Minden Area-
Including the cities of Portola, Susanville, South Lake Tahoe,
Truckee, Bridgeport, Mammoth Lakes, Stateline, Incline Village,
Sparks, Gardnerville, and Virginia City
314 PM PDT Tue Apr 4 2017

...FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE THURSDAY NIGHT THROUGH
SATURDAY MORNING...

The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a

* Flood Watch for portions of California and western Nevada,
including the following areas, in California, Greater Lake Tahoe
Area, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties below 6500
feet. In Mono County below 7500 feet. In western Nevada,
Greater Lake Tahoe Area and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden
Area below 6500 feet.

* From late Thursday night through Saturday morning

* A late season atmospheric river will bring another significant
precipitation event to the Sierra and western Nevada. Near
saturated soils and mostly ripe low to mid elevation snowpack
contributing to increased runoff. This will increase flood
potential, especially along creeks and streams, Friday into
Saturday. This event isn`t expected to be as strong as storms in
January and February but is a significant precipitation event
for April.

* Creeks, streams, and poor drainage areas: Rapid rises are
expected on creeks and streams with additional runoff impacting
poor drainage areas. Many places that have had flooding issues this
winter may again experience some flooding.

* Main stem rivers: The Truckee, Carson, and Susan River are all
expected to see rapid rises and will likely near monitor stage.
The greatest uncertainty for main stem river flooding is on the
Carson and Susan rivers which have minimal flood controls and
respond dramatically to small changes in snow/rain elevations.
The Feather River at Portola is currently forecast to hit flood
stage by Saturday evening. Wildcat creek near Portola could
also experience renewed high flows and flooding impacts.


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Small creeks and streams are the most susceptible to flooding.
Excessive rainfall may also generate rock and mud slides in steep
terrain. Persons living along small creeks and streams should
monitor the latest weather information at weather.gov/reno and be
prepared to take action should flooding occur.

&&

$$