Weather pattern brings moisture

As storms steadily make their way to Northern Nevada, the Truckee-Carson Irrigation District is hopeful they keep coming.

At their monthly board of directors meeting, the board was treated to a presentation of a new weather pattern, which delivered storms in the past week.

Riding the famed Pineapple Express, the atmospheric river carried wetter weather up from Hawaii to dump much-needed rain and snow in Nevada and California.

Walt Winder, deputy project manager for TCID, said the weather pattern is full of moisture, as opposed to other patterns from Alaska, which have been dry.

In addition, Winder’s presentation included Churchill County’s precipitation totals for the past year, which are at about normal. The map, however, looked more like a fire zone in northern and central California and Reno.

Dark red covered the map indicating areas of extreme drought. Although the map and conditions are grim, the recent slew of storms has eased tension, but Winder warned “we are not out of the woods.”

In addition to the updated water conditions, crews along the Truckee Canal are amping up their efforts as the water season draws near.

Winder told the board of directors numerous tests were conducted throughout the canal during the past several weeks.

Seven of the nine gates at Derby Dam were fully operational, while the two were fixed in a short time period.

The No. 3 check structure in Fernley has issues with its switch, but was reset and is operational.

One area of concern, however, is vandalism at the structure, which is suspected of preventing the gate from closing, Winder said. He said the staff is and has attempted countless solutions, but to no avail.

Winder said the district is looking at creating siding that extends into the canal and covers the structure to prevent vandals from sliding around the side or climbing and/or throwing objects over the top.

In other TCID news —

Candidates who wish to run for the TCID Board of Directors can file today to do so.

The district seats up for election are Nos. 2, 5, 6 and 7.

Wade Workman (D2), Eric Olsen (D5), Ernie Schank (D6) and Lester de Braga (D7) are the incumbents.

Filing opens today at 7:30 a.m. at TCID’s office, 2666 Harrigan Road, and closes at 4 p.m. March 11. Eligible candidates must pay a $25 filing fee, reside and own water rights within the division they are filing to run.

Generally, to be eligible to vote in district elections, a person must be a resident upon land within the district and a surface water right must be appurtenant to the acreage.

The status of a registered voter in Churchill County general election does not make a person eligible to vote in TCID elections.

Any ownership changes to property may affect voter eligibility. Changes in eligibility include matters such as death of an owner, adding an individual to the title or putting the property into a trust, corporation or LLC.

Individuals can check their voting status or what district they reside by calling TCID at 775-423-2141.