Washoe County is continuing to clean up the mud from Hidden Valley Regional Park.

Approximately 100 homes were affected by the July 21st flash flood. 

Washoe County Community Services Department crews removed 15,800 cubic yards of mud and debris from the neighborhood, storing 5,000 cubic yards at the Roads division - it's the equivalent of 600 truck loads.

“We quickly pulled resources together through our Regional Emergency Operations Center and were able to quickly deploy crews in 12-hour shifts to clean up the damage,” CSD Director Eric Crump said. “We know that it will take time to repair all of the damage, but our No. 1 priority is safety and accessibility, and we are grateful that there were no injuries in this flood event.” 

Washoe County says the National Weather Service confirmed that a resident’s home weather station recorded a downpour the equivalent of a 200-year flood. 1.3 inches of rain fell in the span of 45 minutes. This means that this level of storm only has a 1:200 – or .05% – change of happening in any given year. 

The park remains partially closed due to damage and heavy equipment traffic, but the county says crews have prioritized areas that receive the most use from residents and will reopen as these areas are repaired. The county says  limited Park access could reopen late next week. Then after, the dog park, tennis courts, playgrounds, and bathrooms opening in phases after that.

A list of contractors that can assist homeowners is listed on the Emergency Washoe website: https://www.emergencywashoe.com/flooding/6532/.  

AUGUST 5, 2024: 

Portions of Hidden Valley Regional Park are expected to reopen this week as crews continue to clean up after last month's flooding.

About nearby 100 homes were affected by the flooding as water and mud covered roadways. 

There's no immediate word on when the entire park will fully reopen. 

JULY 25, 2024: 

All hands are on deck, Washoe County road crews are currently in the Hidden Valley area cleaning up the mud flow and debris from last Sunday's flash floods.

According to Washoe County Officials, the cleanup could take up to a couple of weeks to complete but say the roads in the area are passable.

Officials say that according to the National Weather Service, a resident in the area's home weather station recorded a downpour the equivalent of a 200-year flood. 

An occurrence which means that that level of storm only has a 1:200 or .05 percent chance of happening in any given year. 

“This is not something that can be planned for or prevented,” Community Services Director (CSD) Eric Crump said.

“Hidden Valley is at the base of two significant drainages, and no amount of preparation could have averted the effects of this kind of downpour.” 

Washoe County says that CSD crews have made the streets passable and have not blocked any driveways in that process. 

They say the crews will continue to work on cleaning up the area making life and safety their priority, it is not about aesthetics and they are not cleaning up any private property or damages done to any landscaping. 

Washoe County says that residents affected can push any mud, rocks, sticks and other natural debris from their properties into the gutters before Wednesday, July 31 and CSD crews will dispose of it.  Household debris will not be allowed.

Washoe County has provided a list of contractors that can assist homeowners listed on their website: Resources to assist those impacted by Hidden Valley flood | Emergency Washoe.

The Hidden Valley Regional Park remains closed due to damages sustained in the flood. Officials are assessing that damage today to determine when it might reopen.

To see real time road and area closures due to these types of emergencies, residents can click here. 

Original Story, July 23:

Red Cross teams conducted damage assessment in the Hidden Valley area on Tuesday, a few days after flash flooding affected about 100 homes. 

Washoe County officials requested the Red Cross to carry out the assessments to evaluate the community's needs and assess the extent of the damage. 

The Red Cross sent 16 volunteers to the area and helped assess specific needs to those affected. 

County officials say that if your home was affected by the flooding, you should contact your insurance carrier for mitigation.

If you are not insured, you can contact emergency management for help at emergencymanagement@washoecounty.gov

Sand and sandbags are available at the CSD Yard at 3101 Longley Lane.

There is also a sandbag station at Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue Station 37 at 3255 Hidden Valley Drive. Residents are asked to bring their own shovels.

You can also click this link for an interactive map with current evacuations, road closures and advisories.

Hidden Valley Regional Park is currently closed until further notice due to the damage sustained in Sunday's flooding.

Both Parkway Drive and Mia Vista Drive Park entrances are affected. 

Deputies are asking folks to avoid the area, as well as offering these safety reminders:

  • Do not walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
  • Move to higher ground if you are in a low-lying area.
  • Stay informed by monitoring local news and weather reports.
  • Avoid electrical equipment if you are wet or standing in water.
  • Secure your home. Move valuable items to higher levels and turn off utilities.

For non-emergency assistance, call (775) 785-9276. If you have an emergency, call 911.