Then and now: May brings mudslides, drought

Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval standing in what should be three feet of water, now dry Washoe Lake. Photo/Anne Knowles

May of 2015 and May of 1983 compare as total opposites.

In 2015, we’re experiencing a record drought, Washoe Lake has dried up, and thousands of wells in California have gone dry.

By contrast, in 1983 we had four rain-prompted slides including massive mud hitting Washoe Lake and Squaw Valley. There was much flooding in the Carson Valley, with closed roads and submerged houses. Highway 395 was closed by pavement being completely washed out along the Walker River, Highway 50 was closed near Glenbrook, and South Lake Tahoe was almost totally isolated.

I videotaped Tad Dunbar’s evening news then. KOLO-TV 8 has graciously posted my 1983 recording here.

— Bill Kingman