Art and Education Meet in Carson City

Carson City and the Carson Water Subconservancy District teamed up to create a high water mark mural along Eagle Creek. The challenge was how to best illustrate flood risk along a wide floodplain while promoting the beneficial functions of floodplains. An existing hiking and biking path along the creek offered access, but a simple sign at that location couldn’t convey the impact of past flood levels. A concrete wall, on the opposite side of the trail, had potential. Retired Carson City civil engineer and life-long artist Debra Fong was asked to breathe life into the concept. She transformed the wall into a 10-foot by 30-foot canvas depicting a colorful representation of wildlife and vegetation native to the Eagle Creek watershed. The right side of the mural has two black and white reminders of the base (1% annual chance) flood elevation and 2017 flood elevation, with room to update with future flood elevations.

The 10-foot by 30-foot high water mark mural shows wildlife and native vegetation in the Eagle Creek watershed and identifies the current high water mark and base flood elevation.

“This high water mark reminds residents that Nevada floods, and stresses the planning and execution of many projects throughout the city to reduce flood impacts. Not only do open floodplains protect our communities when disasters occur, by providing flood storage and reducing strain on culverts and ditches, they also add to the quality of our lives in countless ways,” said Carson City Floodplain Manager Robb Fellows. FEMA Region 9 National Preparedness Branch Chief Christine Borgognoni said, “This is the intersection of public safety and art. It reflects the collaboration between the Carson Water Subconservancy District, Carson City, the Nevada Division of Water Resources, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, National Weather Service and FEMA to educate and promote flood awareness, disaster preparedness, and community resilience.” On August 11, Carson City unveiled the mural and sign as part of a Disaster Preparedness Festival. It featured interactive displays staffed by local, state and federal agencies. Attendees were invited to walk along a multiuse path for a dedication ceremony. Another creative high water mark monument is under development for the Carson River in 2023.

On the trail side of Eagle Creek, this interpretive sign describes (with corresponding QR codes) river conservation, floodplain wildlife, flooding history, and the highwater mark sign. 13