Emergency Weir Project Boosts Flood Control and Water Security in Churchill County

In 2023, Churchill County leaders, including then-County Manager Jim Barbee and the County Commission, initiated an emergency weir (abarrier built across a stream or river to alter the flow or raise the water level) construction project in direct response to record-setting snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. The rare volume of runoff presented a serious risk of flooding and placed pressure on local water infrastructure, prompting swift and strategic action.

The $4.7 million project was engineered to disperse up to 2,500 acre-feet of water within 24-hour hours into federal desert lands. This rapid-release mechanism allowed the Bureau of Reclamation to reduce water levels at Lake Lahontan quickly and avoid uncontrolled flows over the dam, significantly reducing the risk of downstream flooding.

While the primary goal was flood mitigation, the weir has also delivered long-term benefits to the region’s agricultural sector. By enhancing safe storage capacity for irrigation water, the project supports a more stable and reliable water supply for local farms. It also contributes to healthier aquatic habitats, reinforcing the ecological vitality of the surrounding area.

The project demonstrates Churchill County’s commitment to proactive resource management and sustainable development. By investing in critical infrastructure, the county is protecting both its residents and its agricultural future, preserving the integrity of what’s long been called the Oasis of Nevada.