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Washoe County officials detail Hidden Valley debris-flow response, declare local emergency
Summary
County and emergency officials described a June 19 debris flow in Hidden Valley that sent boulders and mud into neighborhoods, damaged homes and prompted a local emergency declaration; officials said no people were harmed and recovery and damage-assessment requests to state and FEMA are under way.
Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue Chief Edwards told the Washoe County Commission on June 23 that a violent thunderstorm on June 19 produced a debris flow in the Hidden Valley neighborhood that moved large boulders, mud and vegetation into streets and private property.
“Fire companies rescued a family from a home with an active gas leak,” Chief Edwards said, and he added, “Miraculously, I’m happy to report that no human injuries or deaths occurred as a result of this incident.” He said one cat died and that multiple agencies joined the response.
Kelly Echeverria, the county’s emergency management administrator, said crews have removed roughly 4,600 tons of rock and mud, conducted safety assessments and cleared emergency access. Echeverria gave a preliminary damage tally: one home destroyed, six with major damage, seven with minor damage and nine affected.
Echeverria said the county has activated volunteer organizations active in disaster and coordinated with partners including the Red Cross, Team Rubicon and private contractors. “We have put in a request with Team Rubicon to come and assist our community members with clearing the mud and rocks from their homes,” she said, and added that the county has requested state damage-assessment teams and is collating data to support any federal requests.
County Manager Kate Thomas told commissioners the county has formally declared a local emergency for the June 19 flash floods; the declaration—signed by the manager and the clerk—will be brought to the board for ratification. The declaration, Thomas said, allows the county to seek additional resources and reimbursements to support recovery.
Echeverria urged residents to call 311 for assistance needs and to monitor emergencywashoe.com and the county’s social feeds for updates on evacuation routes, shelters and perimeter maps. She also described plans to coordinate debris removal, infrastructure checks and longer-term recovery work.
The commission offered public appreciation for first responders and asked staff to continue coordinating with state and federal partners on damage assessments and possible aid. The board scheduled formal ratification of the emergency declaration for an upcoming meeting.
