Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency in northern Nevada, due to “significant” snowmelt flooding.
Most residents of Nevada - especially those in the northern half of the state - anticipated this coming. It's not the first time, and it most likely will not be the last.
The snow in Northern Nevada made it a great season for skiing, ski resorts, and that industry in general. But now, because of an “unprecedented winter snowpack,” seasonal water runoff, flooding, mudslides and other issues have hit large sections of northern Nevada.
The declaration of emergency will enable the state and any impacted communities to receive federal assistance to protect residents, repair damage and mitigate further funding, the Governor Lombardo's office said in a statement Monday night.
Snowmelt projections estimate the area will be impacted by flooding for an additional seven weeks, according to the governor’s office. The emergency declaration may be amended to include additional counties in the next few days.
Governor Lombardo issued the following statement: Tonight, I am declaring a state of emergency due to the impact of the unprecedented snowmelt across northern Nevada. As snowmelt flooding threatens infrastructure damage to our communities, I urge all residents to follow local guidance, remain alert, and to proactively plan transportation routes. My office will continue to partner with local, state, and federal agencies to provide direction, support, and resources where needed.
- Churchill County
- Douglas County
- Elko County
- Eureka County
- The Fallon Paiute-Shoshone Tribe
- Humboldt County
- Lincoln County
- Lyon County
- Storey County
- The Walker River Paiute Tribe
Nevada is the driest state in the US, averaging about 10.2 inches of rain every year. The state needs the rain and snow, but doesn't always get it. However, when Nevada does get rain and snow, it can be very messy in the months following. But it does pay off for any of the surrounding rivers and lakes, and the entire state of Nevada.
There are some beautiful lakes in the driest state. Here are 10 of the best lakes in Nevada.
Lake Tahoe
Lake Tahoe is a huge tourist draw that sits within the Sierra Nevada and is shared between California and Nevada. The freshwater lake is the largest alpine lake in all of North America and it is magnificent. Lake Tahoe was formed over 2 million years ago.. The 49,000 hectare lake sits at an elevation of over 1,800 meters and is accessible throughout the entire year. In the winter, Lake Tahoe is a famous ski destination and even hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics. In the summer, tourists enjoy boating, jet skiing, paragliding and swimming, among other things.
Carla Rea via BMG Las VegasCarla Rea via BMG Las Vegas
Lake Mead
Sitting along the Colorado River, Lake Mead is the largest reservoir in the country. The 64,000 hectare lake is 30 miles east of Las Vegas, sitting partly within the state of Arizona. Lake Mead is surrounded by mountain ranges, making it very picturesque. Lake Mead is also used for recreational purposes. Boating is the most popular, along with fishing, water skiing and swimming.
Carla Rea via BMG Las VegasCarla Rea via BMG Las Vegas
Pyramid Lake
Although Pyramid Lake is fed by the Truckee River, it has no outlet Water only leaves by evaporation. The lake sits in the slopes of the Sierra Nevada at an elevation of 1,157 meters. The 49,000 hectare lake is the largest remnant of the ancient Lake Lahontan, which is from the last ice age. Anaho Island sits within the south part of the lake and is famous for its large colony of American white pelicans. Pyramid Lake is not a recreational lake, it’s just a stunning lake that is known for its beauty, and mystery.
Carla Rea via BMG Las VegasCarla Rea via BMG Las Vegas
Lake Mojave
Lake Mohave is just south of Mead Lake and also sits along the Colorado River. It is also shared with Arizona and part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The 10,700 hectare lake is a haven for scuba divers thanks to the Black Canyon, Ringbolt Rapids and wreck dives. The Black Canyon also features a number of hot springs. Swimming, boating, kayaking and water skiing are popular at the lake. Fishing is also popular thanks to the abundance of rainbow trout, largemouth bass, crappie, sunfish and channel catfish.
Carla Rea via BMG Las VegasCarla Rea via BMG Las Vegas
Walker Lake
Walker Lake is a natural lake that sits on the east side of the Wassuk Range. It was named after mountain man Joseph R. Walker. The Walker Lake Recreation Area (now called Monument Beach) is located on the west side of the 13,000 hectare lake. Oddly enough, the world’s largest ammunition depot is just south of the lake. The scenery at the lake is spectacular, especially from the side of U.S. Route 95. It is also a good place to go swimming, picnicking, boating and fishing.
Angel Lake
This glacial lake sits at an elevation of 2,554 meters above sea level in the East Humboldt Range. Angel Lake is a small lake, but a truly beautiful one thanks to its surrounding cliffs and stunning color. The 5.3 hectare lake is a very popular recreational spot, especially amongst kayakers, canoers and anglers. There is also a four and a half mile hiking trail that goes around the shoreline and into the lake’s surrounding area. Angel Lake Campground sits to the east of the lake, offering single and double campsites with fabulous views of the lake.
Washoe Lake
This 2,347 hectare lake is located in the Washoe Valley, east of Lake Tahoe and north of Carson City. It's a very shallow lake, and has dried a lot over the years - making it a haven for a variety of bird species. Washoe Lake is popular for water sports lovers, particularly windsurfers and kite boarders, due to the daily gust of wind that often occurs throughout the summer months, which is known as the Washoe Zephyr. On the southeast side of the lake is the Washoe Lake State Park. The park is open year-round and offers picnicking, hiking, horseback riding and camping.
David Calvert /Stringer via Getty ImagesDavid Calvert/Stringer via Getty Images
Spooner Lake
Sitting just east of Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada, Spooner Lake is located in the Lake Tahoe–Nevada State Park. The lake is an oasis for outdoor lovers, with its backcountry surroundings and magnificent scenery. Spooner Lake is regularly stocked with trout, making it a popular fishing destination. It is also the starting point of a five mile trail that links it to nearby Marlette Lake. Those that want to can camp, or stay in one of the lakeside cabins. It is also possible to visit the lake on a day-trip to enjoy its surrounding backcountry.
Lamoille Lake
This glacial lake sits in the Ruby Mountains at an elevation of nearly 3,000 metres. Lamoille Lake is at the start of the beautiful Lamoille Canyon, which is absolutely beautiful. The area around the lake is popular with hikers, as the trail is part of the Ruby Crest National Recreation Trail. The 39 mile trail is famous for offering some of the most spectacular scenery in the country. Fishing, picnicking and camping is also offered at the lake, although most come for the trail and the scenery.
Topaz Lake
Topaz Lake sits along the California-Nevada border just southeast of Lake Tahoe in the slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The 908 hectare reservoir was built in 1922 by the damming of the West Walker River. Today, Topaz Lake is a popular recreational destination thanks to its fantastic water skiing, jet skiing, boating and fishing. In fact, both states keep it will stocked with trout. Visitors that want to stay at the lake overnight will find three campgrounds surrounding the lake. This makes it a great spot to use as a base for exploring the area.
Mario Tama via Getty ImagesMario Tama via Getty Images
