2017 february flood – elko, nevada …...community as a whole to be better prepared, to mitigate...

2017 FEBRUARY FLOOD

After Action Report/Improvement Plan Natural Disaster Event __________________________________________________________________

Prepared By: Annette Kerr, Emergency Manager 1 ELKO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

2017 FEBRUARY FLOOD – ELKO, NEVADA

DISASTER FEMA-4307-DR-NV

FEBRUARY 2017

AFTER ACTION REPORT/IMPROVEMENT PLAN

2017 FEBRUARY FLOOD



ADMINISTRATIVE HANDLING INSTRUCTIONS 1. The title of this document is, “2017 February Flood – Elko County; Disaster FEMA 4307-DR-

NV” After Action Report/Improvement Plan.

2. The information presented in the AAR/IP is a re-cap of the incidents and activities which took place and are associated with the 2017 February Flood and includes action steps to improve our strategies and tactics before, during and after a major winter storm/flooding event. This information is available to all government agencies and resources, business, citizens, and visitors whom require information on the impact of the February flood. This information is maintained by the Elko County Sheriff’s Office - Emergency Management.

3. Points of Contact:

Annette Kerr Elko County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management 775 West Silver Street Elko, NV 89801 775.777.2517 [email protected] Ronald Supp Undersheriff 775 West Silver Street Elko, NV 89801 775. 777. 2502 [email protected] Jim Pitts Sheriff 775 West Silver Street Elko, NV 89801 775. 777. 2502 [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]



http://elkodaily.com/content/tncms/live/#1

http://elkodaily.com/news/local/wells-streets-yards-flooded/collection_584e2ba7-7127-5fa4-a7cf-22e4323a8e90.html

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Administrative Handling Instruction……………………………………………… 2 Contents……………………………………………………………………………… 3 I. PURPOSE……………………………………………………………………. 4 II. 2017 FEBRUARY FLOOD – INCIDENT DESCRIPTION…………….... 4 III. RESPONSE EFFORTS……………………………………………………… 5 IV. RECOVER EFFORTS………………………………………………………. 12 V. RESPONSE STRENGTHS………………………………………………….. 13

a. Pre-Event Phase………………………………………………………….. 13 b. Response Phase…………………………………………………………… 13 c. Recovery Phase…………………………………………………………… 14

VI. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT……………………………………………… 15 a. Pre-Event Phase………………………………………………………….. 15 b. Response Phase…………………………………………………………… 15 c. Recovery Phase…………………………………………………………… 16

VII. IMPROVEMENT PLAN…………………………………………………….. 17 VIII. CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………….. 18

Appendix A……………………………………………………………………………. 19

Appendix B……………………………………………………………………………. 31

Sources………………………………………………………………………………… 38

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I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this report and improvement plan is to analyze and identify the strengths and areas in need of improvement in relationship to the pre-event phase, the response phase and the recovery phase. Elko County is dedicated to improving strategies and tactics before, during and after a major winter storm/flooding event or any hazard occurring in Elko County. It is Elko County’s intent to use lessons learned from the 2017 February Flood to strengthen agencies, businesses and the community as a whole to be better prepared, to mitigate and respond to similar catastrophic incidents. This improvement plan is intended to be flexible in scope to meet the evolving needs of Elko County citizens.

II. 2017 FEBRUARY FLOOD – INCIDENT DESCRIPTION

Elko County, Nevada suffered from a series of winter storms from December 2016 through January 2017. Over the course of a two-week period starting on February 03, 2017, the northern portions of Nevada, specifically Elko and Humboldt counties, experienced catastrophic flooding on many of the its rivers and streams as stated by the National Weather Service – Elko, NV.

“Above normal temperatures, high dew points and winds, encompassed with above freezing temperatures at night, limited refreezing of the snowpack. This also contributed to the melting process. Steady winds persisted and exasperated the snow melting. An “atmospheric river” event, followed by a final frontal system which added 0.50” to near an inch of rain across northern Nevada. Reports indicated eight (8) inches of snow on the ground on February 01, 2017; by February 07, 2017, it had all melted.” (Information and data obtained from “Explanation of the Northern Nevada Prolonged Flooding Event; National Weather Service – Elko, NV”) See Appendix “A”. The entire county experienced flooding which resulted in loss of homes, school closure, evacuations, major highway and road closures, loss of livestock, railroad disruption, a dam failure including isolation and displacement of citizens.

In Elko approximately 24 homes experienced flooding. In Montello approximately 30 homes experienced flooding. In Wells, numerous homes experienced flooding including 2 homes which were totally destroyed. Several ranches and livestock were affected; including one ranch which became isolated and supplies had to be brought in via pulley and cable system to stranded residents. The Union Pacific Railway stopped traveling west/east through Montello due to their tracks were compromised. The Elko Train Station flooded to a level of two to three feet causing re-routing of all freight trains and passenger trains through this area. US 93, SR 233, CR 765 and FR 405 were closed. Roughly 63 roads experienced damage.

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III. RESPONSE EFFORTS

(See Appendix B for Formal Time Line)

On February 07, 2017, the City of Wells, City of Montello and the community of Spring Creek were already experiencing severe flooding. Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) was activated in Spring Creek to help with sandbagging and the City of Wells had public work teams responding and was in need of more sandbags and assistance. All resources, emergency response teams and civilians were exhausted.

By the morning of February 08, 2017; County Officials met to discuss current flooding throughout the county: Wells, Montello, Spring Creek, Ryndon, Osino, Deeth, and Elko. Etc. Flooding was occurring so fast throughout the county. US. 93 Southbound was closed from Wells to Lage’s Junction. As a result of the catastrophic and rapid damages being reported; the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated. The Nevada Department of Emergency Management (DEM) was notified of the crisis situation. A call center was set-up to help the overload of calls coming into central dispatch and handle non-emergency calls. The EOC remained open until 6:00pm, the first night; subsequently until 10:00pm through February 14, 2017 with the call center main number forwarded to the EOC manager during after-hours. The EOC was officially closed on

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February 14th, at 17:00 hours. The call center remained opened to continue through February 16th, 2017. The County closed the Montello IC on February 16, 2017.

Briefing meetings were held each morning at 7:00am; included all agencies involved in responding to the disaster. County Commissioners were briefed via e-mails and during Commission meetings.

Public messaging was established through posts with the Elko County Sheriff’s Office website and Facebook page. Nevada Highway Patrol and City of Elko utilized Nixel alerts. Road closures, shelter locations, school information and citizen inquiries regarding frequently asked questions were continuously updated. Multi-agency and multi-media were included in press released and real-time updates. A press conference was called by the Elko County Sheriff’s Office.

Volunteer coordination was handled by CERT and the Red Cross. However, several individuals decided to handle things on their own and disrupted the sandbagging operations. Law enforcement intervened to restore organization. Donations of food, clothing, etc. were instantaneous. Various church groups and individuals were asked to handle the influx of these goods and items.

Simultaneously the Winecup/Gamble Ranch 21-Mile Dam failed and caused a two to three-foot wall of water to head downstream and combine with flood waters running down through County Road 765 (Thousand Springs Creek Rd) through 12-mile Ranch, 8-mile Ranch and the Gamble Ranch flowing towards another reservoir called Dake Reservoir. Along with the already swollen creeks flowing into Dake Reservoir; the spillways were now beyond capacity and spilling over. The Nevada Department of Water Resource Management was notified of the dam breach. Elko County School District was contacted to set up a temporary shelter for citizens of Montello and Pilot Valley in the City of West Wendover. The EOC contacted several air support agencies in order to survey the damages, including the 21-mile dam breach. Air support was not available. Thus NDF was contacted in order to utilize their air support. In additional to surveying and assessing damages, reports were coming into the EOC regarding stranded citizens in need of medical assistance, food and shelter.

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Voluntary evacuations were put in place for Montello and the surrounding area. EOC notified the Union Pacific Railroad (UP) of the Dam Breach and requested train diversion and stopping of all trains in the Utah to Nevada and Montello area due to possibility of the tracks being washed out. NOAA issued Flash Flood Advisories. The Elko County Fire District and the Nevada Division of Forestry (NDF) were contacted by the EOC and provided with situation reports (Sit-Reps). The Red Cross was notified and provide personnel from Salt Lake City, Utah along with telecommunications from Reno, Nevada.

The ECO confirmed State Route 233 was “washed out” and impassible. Sections of the entire road are missing and/or undercut. Complete sections of the road are washed out on two sides stranding a motorist and trucking rig. SR 233 is closed from the Utah board to Interstate 80. The only road into Montello is county road 767 (Pilot Valley Road). Pilot Valley Road subsequently becomes impassable, thus isolating the town of Montello and its citizens.

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Nevada National Guard is called in to help bring food and supplies to the citizens of Montello. MREs and water are loaded onto the National Guard high water trucks. The Elko County Sheriff’s Office provides a deputy to assist the National Guard and become Montello’s liaison with the EOC and sets up the Montello IC.

On February 09, 2017, the Chairman of the Elko County Commission, along with the Members of the Elko County Board of Commissioners by four affirmative votes, no nay votes, one absent; declared a state of emergency authorized under NRS241.020 (),(8),(9) and Elko County Codes; Title 11; Chapter 3 emergency Operations on behalf of Elko County will execute or, on and behalf of the County of Elko and its citizens, the expenditure of emergency funds from all available sources, the invoking of mutual aid agreements, and the applying to the State of Nevada for assistance from the Governor’s Emergency Fund and any other resources he/she deems necessary in the fulfillment of his/her duties in accordance to Nevada State Revised Statute N.R.S. 414.135 and Nevada Administrative Code N.A.C. 414.100. The Elko County Board of Commissioners requested the Governor declare Elko County in a state of disaster.

The counties of Washoe, Douglas, Elko, and Humboldt, and the independent city of Carson City declared local emergencies, and in turn, requested assistance from the State of Nevada. A State Declaration of Emergency was issued on February 10, 2017, pursuant to state law, and was amended on March 2, 2017, for the above listed city and counties. This Declaration activated state

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resources to assist local and tribal governments through the State Emergency Operations Plan (EOP), in accordance with Section 501(a) of the Stafford Act.

A request for Direct Federal Assistance (DFA) was also included in the request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration from FEMA. A request for a Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration was submitted to make low interest disaster loans available. The request for Individual Assistance was denied, as was an appeal of the initial denial.

The Humboldt River in northern Nevada was rising due to a combination of heavy rainfall plus melting snow, with a very high water content. The river at Elko briefly hit flood status on February 9th, 2017; but then entered a prolonged period above flood stage (moderate to high) from the 10th through the 12th, with two additional spikes into flood stage on the 13th and 14th. The unofficial crest was 10.49ft, third highest behind 1983 (12.18ft) and 1962 (12.30ft).

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As the Humboldt River continued to breach its banks and backflow through storm drains. It effected homes, business and an elementary school on the south side of the City of Elko. This flooding caused a week-long closure of the elementary school as possible contaminates may have entered the flood waters. Environmental testing was performed. Nevada Division of Forestry, along with prisoner work crews, county personnel and law enforcement provided assistance with sandbagging detail. Sandbags were transported throughout the county to various locations and cities.

Elko Police Department and the Elko City Fire Department were notified about the flooding within the city limits. Due to the amount of flooding now occurring within the city limits, an incident command center (IC) is set up at the Elko Police Department. All city personnel and crews were involved in handling city incidents. Sink holes are appearing on various roads, business and residential basements are flooded and various neighborhoods are experiencing three to four feet of water surrounding their homes.

The Red Cross is contacted to set up a temporary shelter at the local high school for Elko residence. Various hotels provide free or reduced rates for displaced citizens. On February 12th, 2017, the City of Elko declares a State of Emergency. Citizens residing in Osino, Ryndon, White Rock and other outlying areas are not accessible to emergency response staff. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is called out to cut a back road into Ryndon allowing for emergency services access.

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US Highway 93 north is closed due to the Salmon Falls Creek reached major flooding on the 9th and 10th of February. The closure of US 93 ran from Jackpot, NV to Lage’s Junction for several days. This is a major north/south route.

The Elko County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Management team continues to work with FEMA, the State of Nevada, Department of Emergency Management, County Officials and Department, the incorporated cities in Elko County and the community to provide resiliency and recovery.

IV. RECOVERY EFFORTS

As discussed in the response section, several things took place to help the citizens of Elko County. Resiliency is at the core of Elko County citizens. Their capacity to recover from this difficult time was amazing. Friends, neighbors and relatives stepped up to the task. As a result of stranded families, children separated from their parents, this community took people into their homes, gave them food, shelter and clothing. As a result, the Red Cross shelter set up in Wendover, Nevada, was closed 48-hours after its opening due to no one needing to utilize the shelter. Stranded students were housed with other families in Wendover until family members could arrive. The Red Cross shelter in Elko, was also closed within a day as only few people arrived for a brief time. The majority of activity at the shelter, were citizens donating supplies and volunteering to help. Victims had family and friends offer assistance and provided shelter. The hotels only received a couple of people whom took advantage of the accommodations and at that for only one day.

The Elko County road crews were out surveying and repairing roads nearly 24-hours a day. Replacing culverts, bringing in sand and road base in attempts to open as many roads as possible for not only emergency vehicles but citizens as well.

Listed below are services included, but were not limited to:

• Shelter/Lodging • Food and water brought in and provided to citizens whom would not leave their homes. • Medical assistance, including helicopter extraction for isolated individuals. • Ground Transportation • Donation Management (i.e. supplies and services)

The ECSO-EM continued to make daily phone calls to individuals isolated on ranches to verify if they needed any further assistance. County road crews cleared roads to isolated areas which had no phone service in order to check on families.

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These services were provided by agencies and organizations from the local, state and federal governments, as well as, from the private and non-profit organizations and the citizens of Elko County.

February 19th, 2017, The Elko County Sheriff’s Office submitted a request for the State Public Damage Assessment (PDA) and Individual Damage Assessment Teams. Preliminary assessments had been completed earlier by the Red Cross and Team Rubicon. These preliminary assessments were utilized as a starting point. On February 23, 2017 State and Small Business Administration PDA and IA Teams arrived and to begin assessments. On Wednesday, March 1st and 2nd, 2017 FEMA, DEM, SBA Teams arrived to assess eligibility for FEMA and SBA funding. (See Appendix C for the initial financial breakdown for response and recovery estimates)

V. RESPONSE STRENGTHS

The Elko county Emergency Management Office requested input from all agencies, organizations and community members regarding strategies and tactics before, during and after the 2017 February flood. Each phase lists areas for consideration. The following summarizes the composite input:

PRE-EVENT PHASE: (Areas addressed prior to the flood)

- Weather Calls - Communications Planning - Recurring Jurisdictional Calls - Pre-Staging Equipment - Identifying Areas of Concern (Burn areas) - Emergency Contracting - Identify Shelters and Shelter Openings - 911 Dispatch Activities - EOC Activation - Hospital & School Coordination - Draft Declarations - Other Partners - Identify Resource Needs (Sandbags, NDF) - Update and Share Contact Lists - Public Information and Press Releases - Other Activities not Cited

Many of the areas listed above have been implemented and addressed in planning, training, exercising and mitigation. These efforts are ongoing. Elko County and other agencies have exercised these items through various plans, drills, trainings and application. This is evident in the Emergency Operations Plan, Elko County Hazardous Mitigation Plan, and the Mass Casualty and Evacuation Plan.

RESPONSE PHASE: (Areas addressed during the flood)

- EOC Activation - Confirming Information Received - Resources Requested to Fit the Need - Air Operations, Reconnaissance, etc. - Resource Tracking - Debris Removal

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- Road Closure Information Shared - Fatigue of Personnel - Timely, Accurate, Alternate Routes Publicized - Safety Issues - Shelter Openings Information Shared - Documenting Activities - Declarations Signed/Forwarded to State - SitReps, other ICS forms Used - Jurisdictional Calls/NWS \Calls - Maps Created/Shared

There was tremendous support and open communications from the Elko County Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Operations Center. Many agencies have exercised through table tops, trainings and live X’s; the 2017 incident brought this training to the forefront that Elko County can, does and will have incidences. Due to past trainings, some events were averted that could have endangered lives increased and caused incidents such as stopping trains and traffic due to eroding conditions to rails and roads.

County officials and personnel, along with emergency personnel took quick action to ensure the safety persons and property.

Public information was updated as quickly as possible in both English and Spanish.

Daily briefings took place both in the am and the afternoon. Briefings also included the State of Nevada/Department of Emergency Management.

Documentation was maintained throughout and was a high priority. Agencies worked hand-in-hand to provide help, shelter and food to the citizens affected by the flood.

Resources were available such as sand and manpower. Other resources were quickly ordered, delivered and accessible within reasonable time frames.

RECOVERY PHASE:

- Early Recovery Requests (PDA) - Public Information Use - Damage Assessment Coordination - Information Management (gathering - Cost Tracking documentation, comprehensive, - Recovery Planning with State DEM accurate) - Dealing with Public Expectations - Use of GIS, “Collector” database for - Public Assistance Issues mapping and visuals - Individual Assistance Issues - Other Activities not Cited

There were a few agency personnel trained and knowledgeable in the structure of the “Recovery” processes including procedures and paperwork required. This helped in speeding up the process with the State and FEMA. The Elko County Sheriff’s Office and

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their Emergency Management Team supported outlying areas to the best of their abilities and resources.

The County had most replacement culverts in stock, gravel was available and all equipment was utilized to open and repair roads as quickly as possible.

VI. AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT

(Suggestions for improvement as a result of the flood) PRE-EVENT PHASE: - Continue exercising with concrete protocols in place. Ensure all agencies understand

the protocols in place with each of the plans. Follow the protocols. - Utilize NOAA for more than weather related updates; i.e. shelter locations, EOC/IC

activations, road closures, sandbagging locations. - Identify more locations to store sandbags and identify resources to fill and distribute. - Publicize social media availability and where to find out information in case of an

emergency. - Mitigation Suggestions:

o Montello -State and Railroad to work with the county to eliminate damming. o Pilot Valley Road – address issues regarding pitfalls, drainage and paving. o Osino – Victory Blvd scheduled to be lifted and drainage installed.

RESPONSE PHASE:

- Strategically locate more sandbags thoughout the County. - Purchase more road closure and detour signs. - Place more law enforcement at various sights of emergencies. (It is noted that

manpower is limited.) - All agencies should report to the EOC and maintain a representative at the EOC for

faster lines of communications and SitReps. - Clearer objectives discussed during briefings. - Need a larger EOC location. - Everyone needs to follow the IC/EOC structure. - Computers; need better computer systems and programs to achieve best practices.

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- Phone: Call center was limited to two phones for incoming calls. Need to increase call center phones and patch abilities.

- Volunteers; need to work on the registration and communication with volunteers. o Protocols for insurgence of volunteers and spontaneous volunteers whom do not

check in with Volunteer Coordination Center. - MOU developed with various agencies. - PIO coordination between agencies. Create standards for notification to the public

agreed upon by all agencies, including local state and federal agencies. - More training for agency personnel. - Standards and protocols developed and practiced regarding communication with local,

state and Federal agencies.

RECOVERY PHASE:

- Train additional agency personnel regarding recovery protocols. - Damage Assessment teams organized and trained. - Elko County is very large, over 17,000 square miles, with over 1093 miles of county

roads; increase manpower and mitigation funding. - Set standards with National Weather Service regarding earlier warning to the public and

emergency management. o Better understanding of issues and circumstances which created the flood

conditions. o Surge points evaluated along with critical elevation issues.

- More communication with the public concerning schedule of repairs for critical infrastructure.

- Monetary Donations Management was not set up. Individuals, business, organizations all gave generously and contributed money, food, etc. We need to create plans, structure and protocols to handle and distribute these funds.

- More signage for the County regarding emergencies, road closures, detours, etc. - Primary roles for recovery and resiliency for local, city, county and state need to be

established. - Work with Union Pacific and State of Nevada, Department of Transportation to

eliminate the flooding issue on the main street in Montello, Nevada. - City of Elko:

o Clean all drains. o NDF crew help with Humboldt River; trimming trees, cleaning out trees and

other debris. - Re-evaluate county road plans and priorities regarding upgrading and culvert sizes.

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o Montello Drainage o Osino o Pilot Valley o Hwy 233

- Re-evaluate resources and plans for deployment - Social Media and Fake news. Develop procedures and plans to address the issue of

mis-information from social media. - Central location for PIOs. Should they be at the EOC? - Better use with the Emergency Alert System (IPAWS). - Consider Budgetary Constraints for recovery - Include mitigation as a line item in the budget.

VII. IMPROVEMENT PLAN A successful improvement plan must continue to improve and enhance its strengths and carefully examine identified areas in need of improvement and capitalize on opportunities to address these areas. Utilizing FEMA’s Recovery Continuum, goals are established, along with timelines and planning processes.

Planning Provided immediate Maintain public Focus on Public Safety, Training shelter, food, & medical. safety, information Maintain Resiliency, Exercise Clear Debris. Transition to Implement economic Mitigation Assess Damages Resiliency, strategies, Set up volunteer & Maintain Donation Review and adapt donation management management mitigation plans. Provide public information

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This framework allows us to establish strategic goals and to address ongoing recovery and resiliency needs. These goals are broad in nature and are intended to provide direction. The recovery/improvement plan will be incorporated into County plans; i.e. Multi-Jurisdictional Hazardous Mitigation Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan, etc. Goal 1: Provide for immediate and long-term needs for residents, responders and employees. Objectives under this goal include:

• Distribution of educational materials, classes to inform and train residents for preparedness.

• Training and exercises for all emergency responders • Encompass strategies and stage resources throughout the county. • Update Emergency Operation and Shelter plans.

Goal 2: Incorporate lessons learned and best practices into programs to strengthen and improve community safety, preparedness and response. Objectives under this goal include:

• Utilize the Local Emergency Planning Committee to coordinate agency input. • Review recommend strengths, gaps and improvements identified in the incident

After Action Report/Review. • Identify future planning, training, and exercise needs to enhance response

capabilities. Goal 3: Incorporate and fund mitigation strategies to combat future floods and other disasters. Objectives under this goal include:

• Include identified areas of improvement into the Multi-Jurisdictional Hazardous Mitigation Plan.

• Request line item funding for improvement of roads, and resources outlined in the After Action Report/Review

Goal 4: Enhance economic strength and resiliency.

• Identify funding sources (e.g. grants) that leverage community donation efforts and services.

• Develop media campaigns and messaging to support notification and recovery efforts.

VIII. CONCLUSION

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Improving our strategies and tactics before, during and after a major winter storm/flooding event is an ongoing process. The lessons learned with the declared disaster, the 2017 February Flood, will enable Elko County, its incorporated cities and towns, the citizens and business to be better prepared, respond with confidence and continue to improve their resiliency.

APPENDIX A

Explanation of the Northern Nevada Prolonged Flooding Event

National Weather Service - Elko, NV

Over the course of a two week period in February (and still ongoing), the northern portions of Nevada, specifically Elko and Humboldt counties, experienced catastrophic flooding on many of its rivers and streams. Several critical ingredients came together to produce this widespread event. This paper will discuss the weather parameters that caused this event, as well as provide an approximate timeline of when the flooding started. Please note that many areas in northern Nevada are rural and the evidence provided here are as close to reality as possible. ** Need some kind of disclaimer? ***

A. Antecedent Conditions a. Above normal precipitation - Northern Nevada saw an active storm track during the months of

December and January. The table below depicts the first order climate sites in northern Nevada, with total rain and snow (normal and departure from normal):

Table 1. Monthly totals of rain and snow, along with normal and departure, of Winnemucca and Elko. Amounts are in inches.

b. Snow water equivalent (SWE) - Although not shown, above normal precipitation values across the mountains can be implied. To determine an estimation of the amount of water “locked” in the

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mountains, the SWE is used. Seen below is a graphic of SWE for the state, taken on January 28 (before the string of above normal temperatures).

Figure 1. Image of snow water equivalent (SWE) taken on January 28, 2017, before the snow melt. Image taken from https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/.

. As a comparison, here is a graphic of SWE on February 10. Note many areas in

Humboldt County lost their snowpack.

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Figure 2. Same as Fig. 1 except date is February 10, 2017, after the majority of snow melt.

c. “Snow-eater Conditions” i. Warm temperatures and high dewpoints. Warm temperatures and high dewpoints began to

overspread the state early February. Not only were the temperatures above normal but more critically, well above freezing for an extended period of time. From February 3rd through the 10th, temperatures remained well above freezing. Near to above freezing temperatures at night limited refreezing of the snowpack, thus aiding in the melting process. Temperatures were 10 to 20 degrees above normal for a large part of the state for an extended period of time.

ii. Wind. Steady south to southwest winds, gusty at times, persisted through the period of warm temperatures. This exasperated snow melting process.

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B. Rain on snow. An “atmospheric river” (a large tongue of very moist air that originates over the Pacific Ocean) event, followed by a final frontal system, affected the Great Basin region through the second week of February. This system acted in concert with the “snow-eater” process described above. Amounts of 0.50” to near an inch of rain fell across northern Nevada. This augmented any runoff from snow melt significantly from the 6th to the 10th, before colder air finally arrived. By that time however, the damage to the snowpack had been done. At the Elko NWS office, 8 inches of snow was on the ground on Feb 1. By the 7th, it was gone. The only snow remaining in the valley locations are typically on the shaded side of hills, sagebrush, and piles in the parking lots. Depicted below are two graphics of the snow depth taken on January 28 and then February 10. It’s easy to see how the above conditions quickly eroded the snow pack.

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Figure 3. Image of snow depth taken on January 28, 2017, before the snow melt. Image taken from https://www.nohrsc.noaa.gov/.

Figure 4. Same as Fig. 3 except date is February 10, 2017, after the majority of snow melt.

Flooding Periods

The following sections highlight those areas on rivers and creeks with for which we have river gauge data, and where possible, we will provide a historical reference to use as a measure of severity. There are many locations in northern Nevada that experienced flooding, but we don’t have river gauge data to determine how high the creeks and rivers

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got. Therefore, this method will be used to extrapolate the severity of the flooding that impacted all of northern Nevada through the period.

Humboldt River and Salmon Falls Creek

The most significant and longest lasting flooding was along the Humboldt River in northern Nevada. This river is known for progressing very slowly with prolonged flooding. Flooding was due to a combination of heavy rainfall plus melting snow (with very high water content) in the low-mid elevations of nearby mountains. The Humboldt River at Elko briefly hit flood status on the 9th, but then entered a prolonged period above flood stage (moderate) from the 10th through the 12th, with two additional spikes into flood stage on the 13th and 14th. The unofficial crest was 10.49ft, third highest behind 1983 (12.18ft) and 1962 (12.30ft). Many business and houses experienced flooding in Elko, particularly on the south side of town. Flooding also caused a week long closure of the largest elementary school in the city. Although the crest indicated moderate flooding, local officials contend the damage looked more like a major flood event. It’s possible the four years of weak flow allowed brush and sediment to fill the river bed, resulting in the water spreading out further than expected. The Humboldt River also impacted communities such as Battle Mountain and Carlin with prolonged flooding. Downstream at Comus, near Winnemucca, the river entered minor flood status on the 18th, and as of this writing on the 21st, was cresting just below major flood stage. Several private bridges leading to ranches were also destroyed along the river.

The Salmon Falls Creek flows from northern Nevada into southern Idaho. It crosses U.S. 93 just south of Jackpot. It reached major flooding on the night of the 9th/morning of the 10th and could have remained at that level for several days. Unfortunately, the river gauge on this creek became inoperative and did not return to service until after water levels receded. The flooding on this creek occurred under U.S. 93 near a rest stop, resulting in its closure for several days.

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Figure 5. WeatherStory issued by NWS - Elko highlighting forecast stages and times for points along the Humboldt River.

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Figure 6. Apartments near the Humboldt River in Elko when it crested at 10.49 ft.

Martin Creek and Big Cottonwood Creek (Humboldt County)

The other creek that the USGS has a river gauge on is the Martin Creek in northeastern Humboldt County. This creek had a significant rise to 9.12ft on Feb 9. According to historical records, this was the third highest crest (14.1ft in 1943 and 9.65ft in 1986 were higher). Although no gauge exists on Big Cottonwood Creek, it is possible this also flooded during the event. Reports from our spotters who live in Paradise Valley stated they never saw water this high in their town before, with state route 290 closed temporarily, along with Paradise Valley School being closed. Several roads, such as Chimney Road, eroded somewhat due to the high water.

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Figure 7. Flooding occurring at the Paradise Valley School.

Overland Flooding (Humboldt and Elko counties)

Overland flooding likely cause the most road damage, with county, USFS/BLM, and ranch roads taking the brunt. Many dry creeks beds and low lying areas experienced water levels or flows not observed in several decades. The worst occurred in Montello, Rydon, Deeth, Osino, and Paradise Valley. Unfortunately, this is nothing new for Montello as they experience flooding on a regular basis (but not at this level). Other areas such as Wells, Spring Creek, and portions of US. 93 saw overland flooding that impeded or halted traffic, surrounded homes or business, and forced school districts to change student pickup/drop off locations.

There were numerous reports of flooding in Humboldt County as well. The Quinn River was flooding (this is one river the USGS does not have a gauge on). Cooperative observers in Orovada, Kings River Road, Rebel Creek (crosses onto US 95) communicated water running over the roadways with erosion taking place. In addition, we received images of flooding in Paradise Valley, including the school, post office, and several homes in the village.

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Given the magnitude of the flooding, it is entirely possible other locations in Elko and Humboldt counties flooded.

Figure 8. Overland flooding along Hwy 290 in Humboldt County

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Figure 9. Flooded street in Osino (Elko County) with stuck SUV

21-Mile Dam Failure (northeastern Elko County)

The 21-Mile earthen dam failed, causing a wall of water to rush downstream. Although it drained to the north of Montello (public misperception that it caused the flooding in town), it flooded two ranches and destroyed portions of state route 233 and part of the Union Pacific railroad north of Montello. This halted rail through the area, which at the time of this writing is still not repaired. The dam failure, combined with the overland flooding, forced the complete closure of state route 233 from I-80 to the Utah border that still exists as of this writing.

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Figure 10. NWS - Elko WeatherStory of images taken of flooding across Montello and northeast Elko county, including the

breach of 21-MilePURPOSE

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APPENDIX B

FEBRUARY FLOOD 2017 TIMELINE – FULL VERSION

February 05 – 22, 2017: Incident Period

February 07, 2017: Tuesday

• Flooding in Spring Creek • 17:00 - CERT Activated • Sandbagging around residents homes

February 08, 2017: Wednesday

• 07:00 - City of Wells; Requested Additional 1000 Sandbags • 08:00 - County and Sheriff Meeting: Current Flooding

o Wells, Montello, Spring Creek, Ryndon, Osino, Deeth, Etc. • 09:00 - US 93 Southbound Closed – Wells to Lage’s Junction • 09:10 - Road Crews Alerted • 09:45 - Emergency Operations Center Activated • 10:15 - Briefing:

o Road Closures: • US 93 Southbound and Northbound Closed • Taylor Canyon; Trailers in Jeopardy. • Ryndon and Osino; Water washing out Roads

o Press Release: 1st Release o Set-Up Phone Bank/Information#: 775.777.2520 o Web-sites: Set-Up Flood Notification Page, Statements

• 10:40 - School District notified of Road Closures • • 11:55 - School District: School Children unable to return to Montello;

o Pilot Road, SR 233, washed out; CR 765 Dam Wash out • 12:00 - NOAA Flash Flood Warning • 12:07 - Jackpot Rest Area Flooding at Salmon Falls Creek Bridge/US 93 • 12:14 - Air Support not available from Twin Falls • 12:18 - Kyle Wolf; Dept. of Water Resources; Update

o Daryle Scow; Managing Director Western States Water; indicates no breach. o Have visual confirmation from Ranch Managers; Breach is valid

• 12:40 – Jarbidge; Creek is holding, but high • 12:53 - KUTV out of SLC wanting info

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• 13:06 - Per UP Railroad; water 6 inches over track; Trains on Emergency Hold • 13:26 - Residents of Montello requesting Evacuation/ All roads closed • 13:32 - Elko County School District: No busses on US 93 North or South

o School Messenger; School out early for Ryndon and Osino children. • 13:37 - Voluntary Evacuation only for Montello; per ECSO • 14:08 - Sgt. Carpenter dispatched to Wells with pumps and equip. • 14:14 - NDF crews sanding bagging private property in Montello along road. • 15:33 - EOC to County 21-mile Dam Breach flowing over to Utah side,

o Dake Reservoir; damaged spillway side of res. • 15:45 - Friends In Service Helping (F.I.S.H.) Building in Elko (City), flooding;

o Water up to entrance doors; request sandbags. • 15:03 - Per Jim Kerr; Water running down Montello streets; up 6 inches since

crews arrived in the am. • 15:03 - EOC notified; Humboldt River cresting at Last Chance Road and 12th Street. • 15:12 - Kittridge Canyon: Calls for Sandbags and help with flooding • 15:33 - Chief Ben Reed, Elko City Police Department notified about City of Elko flooding.

Lt. Ty Trouten dispatched to check on City. • 15:37 - Ryndon: Johnson & Kayenta Roads washed out; people stranded Cars stuck. • 15:42 - KSL Channel 5 from Salt Lake City; wants info – Sheriff

o Reno and various other media wanting information. • 16:15 - Red Cross updated for possible Montello/Wendover shelters. • 16:31 - Dispatch needs update. Called dispatch • 16:50 - De-Brief Meeting:

o City of Wells calls; water receding; need 1000 sandbags o Montello water still rising; NDF crews to stay to 7:00 pm o Report of Humboldt River at 110% o Gamble Ranch flooded out building; trailer off foundation; citizens

evacuated. o State Hwy 233 at 30/Stateline flooded; trucks stuck o Osino/Ryndon: Roads bad; Victoria Blvd impassible o Twin Bridges; ice flows possible hazard o Coral Lane: scheduled for 2/9/17 for sanding o Lower Lamoille: working on; o Red Cross notified; no shelter for needed at this time.

• 17:15 - Handled multiple calls from citizens. • 18:00 - EOC Staff home/emergency phone forwarded to EOC manager.

February 09, 2017: Thursday

• 07:30 - Pre-Briefing o Looking for Air support for Montello

• 08:30 - Multi-agency Briefing: o Full County Crew at Montello o Road Closures o Plan: Volunteer Evacuation o Press Releases o Sandbag Inventory o Decision to request County Commission for Disaster Declaration

• 09:15 - US Postmaster: Closing Deeth Post Office/moved to Community Center • 10:30 - Press Conference: Flood Situation • 11:00 - Daily Conference Call to DEM

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o Wells: 20 Homes under water/ 4 Business o Montello: 30 Homes under water o Request for Ground help/possible National Guard o DEM: Resources and Liaison Declined

• 12:00 - Elko County Disaster Declaration and Proclamation 2017-B Signed o ECSO: Provides “Disaster Assistance for Individuals and Households resource

information” to public. Website, Telephone, Handouts/Office, E-mailed. • 13:05 Helicopter Launched: El-Aero Ron Supp and Commissioner Steninger

Surveying damage. • 13:35 White Rock Road; getting worse/ NYTC underpass Flooding, Carlin OK;

Palisades flooding o Several calls from various locations about flooding

• 13:57 - US 93 closed from mm 120 both directions. • 14:15 - NOAA Owyhee River at Moderate Flood Stage; sent Deputy to Mountain City

possible flooding. • 14:29 - Supp updates Sheriff from Helicopter Surveillance

o Dake Dam: hard to tell if damaged o Confirm Railroad and SR 233 washed out.

• 15:25 - Closed Pilot Road; impassible • 15:30 - Mountain City confirmed flooding (minor) • 16:18 - Follow-up conference call DEM – Update on Situation • 20:00 - EOC Staff home/emergency phone forwarded to A. Kerr cell.

February 10, 2017: Friday

• 07:30 - Pre-Briefing • 08:00 - Road Meeting @ County Facility • 08:20 - Safe Drinking water/Dept. Conversation & Natural Resources/EPA • 09:10 - Humboldt still rising per NOAA • 09:50 - Receipt of Incident Number #02 07 2017-158 • 09:55 - Voluntary Evacuation Montello; Two Deputies Door-to-door • 10:00 - US 93 Bridge/Salmon Falls Creek; bridge scouring water,

overflowing/impact structure • 10:06 - Dealing with multiple calls from Osino, Ryndon, Boyd-Kennedy, etc. • 11:01 - BLM cuts back road into Ryndon for emergency access. • 11:23 - Red Cross on their way to Wendover High School, Set-up Shelter • 12:30 - National Guard will deployed at 12:00 noon/ 2/11/17. • 12:44 - NDF Helicopter on standby in Minden, NV • 12:44 - Following up on Montello Students/ Piolet Valley Cattle Guards, etc. • 13:30 - Humboldt River reaches 11ft mark • 13:42 - All UP Trains Stopped. • 14:00 - DEM Briefing Conference Call • 14:52 - I-80 and Oasis; Road to be repaired • 15:00 – NDF Helicopter; Launched from Minden, NV Arrival: 17:30 • 15:24 – Elko Apartments/12th Street/Front Street Elko Flooding • 16:30 – Commission Meeting; Flood update, A.G. Laxalt, Amodei, Heller in Attendance • Received a Verbal Declaration and Press Release for a State of Emergency from

Gov. Sandoval.

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February 11, 2017: Saturday

• Re-evaluated Objectives o Evacuation o Roads o Elko/South 9th Street, concerns with power, gas, o Humboldt River reaches 13ft mark

• Create a Liaison/Contact local in Montello • Deputy Narvaiza to Montello as ECSO Liaison • Bottle Water & MRS readied for victims Red Cross/National Guard/NDF • Red Cross Liaison Arrives: Steve Nielson (SLC) • Chief Matt Griego, Need Shelter for Elko Residences set-up.

o Set up Red Cross Shelter at Elko High School old gym. o CERT helps to set-up Shelter o 24-Houses and 40 Residents in Trailer Park – Voluntary Evacuation

• Elko City Sets up Own Incident Commend Center per Chief Reed/ EPD Building • Winecup/Gamble Ranch Employees Stranded • 10,000 Sandbags Arrive – NDF • Deeth – Three Homes Reported Flooding • Helicopter dispatched to Montello; Food, Medical, etc. • NDOT – Stopping National Guard to travel down SR 233 (Stage at Oasis) • DEM Conference Call. • National Guard Stuck on Pilot Road • Released School for Evacuation from Montello – No one Evacuating • Sand and Sandbags to Deeth • Helicopter evacuated family from Winecup to Wells. • Critttenden Dam: need to check for beach/ No Breach.

February 12, 2017: Sunday

• Salmon Falls Creek 3ft over bridge. • Humboldt still overflowing; pumping and sandbagging – not working. • NDF Helicopter delivers supplies Montello • US 93 – Wells - South Open – No Controls • Pilot Road to Fire Station Good. Gravel issues. • City of Elko declares State of Emergency • City of Elko; Red Cross Shelter Closed; No one stayed. • Maggie Creek Bridge Washed Out – Hunter Exit Far West Side • City of Elko closed IC at 14:00

February 13, 2017: Monday

• Helicopter: Re-con Wildhorse, O’Neil Basin, Coal Mine Road • More MRS requested for Montello; Storing at Old School • Deputy Narvaiza still in Montello. • Red Cross Use Fire Station #2 as a Resource Center.

o Started Direct Client Contact • Southside Residents Complaining • Chief Reed: Indicates Resources Being Deployed. • Damage Assessments by Red Cross & Team Rubicon; Elko City (Southside) • City of Wells Waters Rescinding.

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• Ellison gets Monoxide Poisoning • Ordered more sandbags for March thru June Flooding • US 93 Open both North and South from Wells • UP Railroad; Some Freight Trains running from Oakland to SLC • Briefing: National Guard, NDF, Stand-by

o National Guard Released • Crittenden Res; Pre Jim Rodgers; water going over the Spillway • NDF Crews; Going to be released from Deeth

o Dale Lotspeich made contact. • Deeth: A few residents self-evacuated • NV Energy: To Turn power back on to Southside Residents, house by house • Southside Elementary School closed for entire week • Letter to President Trump; From Senator Heller, Senator Masto, Congressmen

Amodei, Congressmen Kihuen, Congresswomen Titus, Congressman Rosen. o RE: Respectfully urging President Trump to act quickly in processing the

Presidential Declaration. February 14, 2017: Thursday

• Briefing with Multi-Agencies o City EOC Re-Opens o Debris Removal for Southside begins o National Guard Departs o Red Cross continues efforts for identification and damage assessment, FH #2 o Deputy Narvaiza delivers more MREs and water to Montello o Water continues to come up through drains in City of Elko

• NDF Helicopter: Fly Crittenden Res; Tacoma, R. Supp and N. Czegledi o Crittenden, not to emergency spillway yet; Dake no new damage o NDF Flight Crew to be released on 2/15/17.

• NDF Helicopter: Total of 6 people evacuated. • NDF Hand crews: picking up extra sandbags for storage; relocate to new areas • Sheriff and Undersheriff brief Elko City Council • County EOC Closed at 17:00


• County Commission Meeting; Flood Update • New Red Cross Rep Arrives: Jeffory S. Mulcahy • MREs to be Returned to Red Cross for Southside Victims • Contacted Volunteers for Southside Clean-up Effort


• Emergency Telephone Line still open for calls • Closed Down Montello IC; Ron Supp • Montello and Deeth Outreach meeting with Red Cross

February 19, 2017: Sunday

• ECSO: Requests State Public Damage Assessment (PDA) and Individual Damage Assessment (IA) Teams for Elko County to arrive by February 23, 2017.

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• Multi-agency meeting for arrival of State Assessment Team • State Assessment Teams Arrive in Elko


• State and SBA Teams: (PDA and IA Teams) out in the County and Cities for Assessment of Damages to Public Areas.

February 27, 2017: Monday

• Red Cross IA Documentation turned over to State IA team and SBA Team. March 01 – 02, 2017: Wednesday - Thursday

• FEMA, DEM, SBA Teams arrive in Elko to assess eligibility for FEMA Individual Assistance and SBA eligibility.

March 06, 2017: Monday

• Elko County Notified: Met the SBA threshold of 25 households with major damage or destroyed. (Elko, Wells, Montello = 27 homes)

• Elko County/Humboldt County Qualifies for SBA low interest rate loans. (Washoe County does not qualify for SBA assistance.)

March 07, 2017: Tuesday

• SBA contacts Elko County to set up date for meeting with Citizens regarding receipt of SBA Loans.

March 08, 2017: Wednesday

• Individual Assistance requested by Governor Sandoval with FEMA. March 10, 2017: Friday

• SBA Scheduled to arrive in Elko/Wells for meeting with Citizens. March 10, 2017: Friday

• Chief Caleb S. Cage, Chief Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Advisor, places SBA on hold for Five Counties including Elko County.

(See e-mail: Friday March 10, 2017 to Annette Kerr)

“Given the complexities of federal regulations, the varying needs from each county that declared, the ongoing flood response efforts, and the needs of residents, I recommended that the Governor pursue these four programs under the PMDD request in order to maximize the opportunity for Nevada’s residents to receive critical support.”

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March 23, 2017: Thursday

• Washoe County receives SBA help due to Washoe County is now eligible for SBA under the State of California’s Declaration and Lassen County.

March 27, 2017: Monday

• Presidential Declaration for Public Assistance Received. April 06, 2017: Thursday

• Commission requests IA status to be placed on next Commission Agenda. April 11, 2017: Tuesday

• DEM receives denial for IA by the President. Waiting on decision by the Governor to appeal or not. This will play a part in the SBA returning and when.

April 14, 2017: Friday

• Governor decides to appeal IA denial. • DEM sends out request for IA information: due COB Tuesday; 4/18/17.

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SOURCES:

Explanation of the Northern Nevada Prolonged Flooding Event; National Weather Service – Elko, NV: See Appendix “A” Clark County Resiliency and Recovery Framework – October 2017 National Response Framework, FEMA, Recovery Continuum, January 2008, HTTP://www.fema.gov/emergncy/nrf/ Initial Lessons Learned from the 2017 Disasters in Nevada, Nevada Department of Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management and Office of Homeland Security Elko County Sheriff’s Office, Emergency Management Office Citizen Corps, Community Emergency Response Team, Citizen Corps Coordinator City of Elko, Nevada; Fire Department City of Wells All local government, department agencies whom participated in the After Action Review meetings.

http://www.fema.gov/emergncy/nrf/

2017 february flood – elko, nevada …...community as a whole to be better prepared, to mitigate...

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