High Water Update: Why isn’t Lahontan Reservoir Full?

In layman’s terms, keeping the lake level low and diverting as much water as possible allows for greater control. 
According to Truckee Carson Irrigation District, there is enough snow in the mountains to fill Lahontan at least three times. Additionally, a single warm rain event could rapidly increase snowmelt flow to potentially unmanageable levels. 
Flows are being controlled to release as much water as is coming into the reservoir, but when the Carson River rises, the water levels will fill Lahontan Reservoir. If the lake is already full, such an event would force water over the spillway. If this occurs, there is little or no way to control the release, and flooding will follow.
Water is currently being diverted into the desert and Carson Lake Wildlife Management Area as quickly as possible, keeping the reservoir level relatively low. With lower levels, the lake can accommodate surges and fluctuations in flow. Severe weather events are always possible this time of year and could bring warm rains and storms. Additionally, temperatures are rising, which will invariably increase the flow of snowmelt as it makes its way into the Carson River. 
TCID, the City of Fallon, and Churchill County have been working tirelessly to manage the water in the valley and prevent area flooding. After the record-level snowpack of 2017, the county installed protocols to prepare for and manage future high-water events. With even more snow in the mountains presently, aggressive measures are underway to divert and accommodate more water via the new V-Line weir and the Big Berm. 
The current focus is to protect homes, farms, and critical infrastructure. Interactive Flood Maps are available at the county to check the projections for your neighborhood: https://www.churchillcountynv.gov/934/County-Hot-Topics with printed maps on display at the county offices. 
The High Water Call Center continues to provide non-emergency resources for citizens seeking information about potential flooding. (Open M-F 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Call Center Phone: 775-867-5923.