Roads & Stormwater and Utilities crews continued coordinated response operations in Hidden Valley over the weekend. The immediate focus has been public and crew safety, maintaining emergency access, clearing public right-of-way, and assessing stormwater infrastructure conditions.
Current Status
Road & Stormwater and Utilities Crews completed safety assessments to ensure the affected areas are safe for residents and work crews, and cleared pathways to allow for emergency vehicle access.
Crews are working to remove as much mud as possible down to the pavement surface. This involves scraping off the top layers and using street sweepers to clean as much residual mud as possible. They are continuing stormwater asset inspections, including drainage easements and the main ditch along the east side of the affected area.
With no precipitation currently forecast, crews are prioritizing assessment and cleanup before determining the additional equipment, repairs, and external support that may be required.
Key Issues / Needs
- Vehicle speeds through the affected neighborhood remain a safety concern for residents, crews, and equipment operating in the roadway.
- Hidden Valley Regional Park remains closed. Stormwater assets within the park performed well; however, the north detention pond is approximately 80 percent full. Damage within the park primarily resulted from the debris-laden flow traveling down Parkway Drive and entering the park.
- Residents are being asked to place only mud, rocks, sticks, and other natural flood debris in the street for County collection. Household trash, carpet, fencing, construction debris, and landscaping materials must remain on private property until they can be properly disposed of. Washoe County is arranging large Dumpsters for neighborhood use. Washoe County Waste Management customers also receive four free landfill dumps annually. Residents should coordinate with their insurance providers regarding restoration of private property. County crews are prohibited from performing work on private property. Residents may contact Roads at 775-328-2180 to schedule collection of natural debris or request assistance with right-of-way needs.
Note on Private Stormwater Facilities
The private stormwater facilities near Rough Rock Road, including detention ponds and drainageways associated with WRMS, remain the responsibility of the private development. These facilities are located on private property and private easements, were created for the benefit of the development, and have not been accepted by Washoe County for maintenance. Residents have been advised that reconstituting a homeowners association is recommended to establish ongoing maintenance responsibility for those facilities.
