RENO, Nev. — After more than six decades of protecting northwest Reno from flooding, the West Wash Dam and East Wash Dam are being considered for a major rehabilitation project as the city plans millions of dollars in upgrades to the aging structures.
The dams were built in 1960, and their original plans called for a 50-year lifespan. The West Wash Dam sits just west of Keystone Avenue and south of McCarran Boulevard. City officials say both dams are safe now but need long-term improvements.
The proposed West Wash Dam Rehabilitation Project would reinforce the structures, address geotechnical concerns and make changes to the spillways.
“They are currently fine to work in everyday normal storms, storm events. They just are high hazard dams, and they need refurbishment because of their age,” said Mary Horvath, a senior civil engineer for the city of Reno…