Melting Pine Nut snow pack a concern

With record-setting amounts of upper elevation snow in the Pine Nut Mountains, emergency services and water officials met with Carson Valley ranchers in preparation for the day when all that melts off.

“The agricultural interests and the various ditch companies are an invaluable component during flood events,” East Fork Chief Tod Carlini said. “With snow levels setting record amounts and spring weather around the corner, the district felt it was appropriate to gather members of the agricultural community to meet with both District and County leadership ahead of what could be a challenging spring run off as the snow begins to melt.”

Carlini said the East Fork Fire Protection District sponsored a similar session before the flooding in 2017.

Several long-time valley ranchers attended the meeting, as well as ditch company members and managers. Deputy Federal Water Masters, Mike Rippee and Steve Wilcox also attended.

“After a very detailed presentation by Chris Smallcomb and Tim Bardsley from the National Weather Service, Brett Reed and David Hussman provided some historical perspectives on the irrigation system and historical outcomes of flood events,” Carlini said. “Long-time family rancher Fred Stodieck punctuated those comments with observations of several past flood events in the valley, dating back to the 1950s.”

The group viewed drone footage of the various water ways on both sides of the valley starting at their respective sources.

Allerman-Virginia Ditch Co. Manager Gary Aiazzi traced the courses of the ditches under his authority and including the Dangberg Reservoir.

That reservoir prompted concerns during the March 10-12 flooding because it is a high hazard dam.

Pine Nut Creek drains into the reservoir through the Upper and Lower Allerman canals.

Area development and independent action on the part of some residents have increased flows in this critical piece of infrastructure, according to the operators. The reservoir can only hold about half of the interned capacity due to sediment build up over the years.

Rippee and Wilcox both discussed their respective responsibilities and the areas of the Valley’s west side systems that they are responsible for.

“In most cases, water used for irrigation purposes and the ditch systems that carry that water are protected by State Law and ‘tampering’ with the system is illegal,” according the Douglas County Sheriff, Dan Coverley.

“While it is understandable that someone may think that what they are doing is in the best interest of their property, the true impacts may affect several other properties both up and down stream of the individual modifications,” Carlini said.

Douglas County Storm Water Manager Courtney Walker provided an update on the work she and her personnel have been doing since the flood event last month. She also discussed their future efforts with stormwater management and some of the challenges that exist.

“We look to those representing the agricultural interests and those who manage the various irrigation and drainage systems as members of the responses team,” Carlini said. “In many cases, the historical perspectives are predictors of future challenges and help us to better prepare.”