Please Note: 1) Each individual timeseries plotted on the graphical river forecast can be toggled on and off by clicking the legend entry above. If the "Observed (Raw Data)" contains bad data and is toggled off, the plot will scale to the remaining timeseries.
2) At extremely low river flows, the "Observed (Raw Data)" may show readings below the lower end of the available rating table, while the "Observed (Simulated)" will only show values at the bottom of the rating table, creating a potential discrepancy between the two readings.
Note: Water Year 2025 is currently showing peak daily mean values. These will be updated to instantaneous peaks in the coming months.
Water Year
Peak Discharge (cfs)
Stage (feet)
Date
Most Recent 5 Years
2025
451
12.68
May 11, 2025
2024
678
13.12
Apr 23, 2024
2023
1,940
14.02
May 19, 2023
2022
1,180
13.51
Oct 25, 2021
2021
241
11.56
May 7, 2021
Historical High Stage/Flow Events (Period of Record - Oct 1938 to Present) - Ranked by Flow
1997
8,100
7.32
Jan 01, 1997
1963
4,890**
9.00
Feb 01, 1963
1956
4,810
8.86*
Dec 23, 1955
1951
4,810
8.86*
Dec 23, 1955
1938
3,500
8.00*
Dec 11, 1937
1965
3,100
6.70
Dec 23, 1964
* Prior to November 1958, gage at two different datums at the same location.
** November 1958 to January 1963, gage 150 ft downstream. Datum change with a difference of +3.06 ft must be applied to data in this time range to convert to current datum.
Disastrous, record flooding along entire reach of West Fork Carson River in both Alpine County, California, and Douglas County, Nevada. Extensive damage to homes, businesses, schools, roads, bridges, and irrigation systems. Communications, power, and transportation systems severely disrupted. Many highways, roads, and bridges impassable. Roughly Similar peak level to January 1997 event.
15.0 Feet
Major Flooding. Substantial damage to homes, businesses, schools, and property in south Carson Valley from Centerville to Genoa. Many local roads flood including Centerville, Mottsville, and Muller Lanes. Interruption of power, communications, and water systems. Major flooding also in Alpine County, California, near Woodfords and Paynesville. CA Highways 89 and 88, and NV Highway 88 flood. Downstream Hwy 395 floods.
14.5 Feet
Moderate flooding in southwest Carson Valley between Centerville and Genoa, with some damage to homes and businesses. Many local roads flooded in this area. Minor to moderate flooding in Alpine County, California, near Woodfords and Paynesville. Lane or road closures on Highway 395 north of Stephanie Way likely if combined with flood flows on the East Fork. Similar peak level to December 2005 event.
14.0 Feet
Minor flooding in the southwestern Carson Valley between Centerville and Genoa,impacting agricultural areas, local roads, and outbuildings. Impacts will be more significant if heavy rain and/or snowmelt cause significant rises in small creeks draining the east side of the Carson Range below Woodfords. Possible lane closures on Highway 395 north of Stephanie Way if combined with flood flows on the East Fork. Similar peak level to January 2017 event and May 2017 peak snowmelt.
13.5 Feet
Minor flooding begins in lowest areas along the West Fork of the Carson River in southwest Carson Valley including agricultural areas, local roads and outbuildings. Residents along the river should prepare for more serious flooding if there are additional rises expected due to snowmelt and/or rainfall runoff. Impacts will be more significant if heavy rain and/or snowmelt causes significant rises in small creeks draining the east side of the Carson Range below Woodfords. Similar to peak of Feb 2017 event.
12.5 Feet
Monitoring Stage. No flooding occurs. However, residents along the West Fork Carson River should be prepared for flooding if there are additional rises expected due to snowmelt and/or rainfall runoff.
Product Disclaimer
This river graphic is not intended to serve as a
substitute for official flood watches, warnings, advisories, or statements
issued by the NWS Reno Weather Forecast Office. Observations
are preliminary and subject to change. River levels identified as "forecast"
should be consistent with those contained in official NWS products.
River levels identified as "guidance" have significant uncertainty
due to future weather or reservoir regulation and are provided for planning
purposes only.
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