2006 Reach Summary: Jones Creek, Middle
Location
Jones Creek flows from the east slope of the Sierras near the Mont Rose Highway. The
headwaters are in National Forest and are relatively undisturbed. Low density development
begins east of the Mount Rose Highway. This reach of Jones Creek begins at the edge of
private property, about a mile upstream of the Callahan Ranch Road Crossing and ends at the
confluence with Galena Creek.
Sensitivity to Disturbance
Low to moderate, the stream may be relatively resilient if the channel or watershed are
disturbed
Condition
Non functional, New development and road construction have overwhelmed the capacity of
the channel to resist erosion, resulting in channel incision and excessive deposition along the
reach. This limits the capacity of the system to convey flood flows, infiltrate groundwater,
improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat
Trend
Downward, Two problems limit the potential for channel recovery. One, unusually high
peak stormwater flows from new residential development. Two, road construction
encroaches on the Jones Creek floodplain resulting in higher energy flood flows. Future
storm flows may result in: accelerated channel incision, erosion of fill placed in the
floodplain, deposition downstream, loss of riparian and wildlife habitat and the loss of a
valued community resource that includes trails and other recreational opportunities.
Problems
 New residential development increases peak flows
 Road construction and grading activities in the floodplain impact flood conveyance and
accelerate erosion.
 Roads and fill placed in the floodplain may be damaged during high flows
 Stormwater outfalls lack sufficient energy dissipation.
 Groundwater recharge is reduced due to channel erosion and loss of floodplain
 Road construction should comply with Existing Washoe County Stream Ordinances
Best Management Practices-Ineffective
 Sediment logs in flowing channel
 BMPs not in place or improperly maintained
Best Management Practices-Effective
 Sediment logs are in place at various locations along the project
 Curb and gutters at new residential development
 Local citizens volunteer to control weeds and maintain trail
Truckee Meadows Regional Storm Water Quality Management Program
Stream Assessment Checklist (updated May, 2005)
Page 1 of 2
Recommendation, Proactive
 Educate developers to implement BMPs at construction sites
 Comply with existing stream ordinances
 Respond to comments from the community
Recommendation, Management
 Enforce construction site erosion and sediment control regulations
 Enforce stream ordinances
 Require 404 permit from the Army Corps of Engineers if disturbing jurisdictional
wetlands
 Establish communication between the community and County Planners.
Recommendation, Restoration
 Realign road and reclaim disturbance to comply with Washoe County Stream Ordinance.
 Retention basins should be installed that maintain pre-development peak storm flows.
 Remove berms and culverts that cross the floodplain and replace with armored drainage
channels
 Reclaim disturbance from grading activities, stream and floodplain.
 Install grade control structures to control channel incision
 Armor drainage and culvert outfalls
 Install BMPs per National Pollution Discharge Elimination System standards.
Truckee Meadows Regional Storm Water Quality Management Program
Stream Assessment Checklist (updated May, 2005)
Page 2 of 2