Lakes at Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge under HAB Watch advisory

LAS VEGAS ( KLAS ) — Lakes in the Stillwater National Wildlife Refuge are under a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) Watch advisory, prompting officials to warn against contact with water that could be a danger to people and pets.

Stillwater, located in Churchill County about 80 miles east of Reno, is a desert oasis for migratory birds — home to nearly 400 wildlife species. The area is known as the Carson Sink, with remnants of ancient Lake Lahontan, which receded as the Ice Age ended about 12,000 years ago.

“Any water body can be affected, but extra caution is advised at the following: Willow Lake/West Marsh, Lead Lake, Swan Lake, Swan Check, Pintail Bay, Goose Lake, North Nutgrass Lake, South Nutgrass Lake, and West Nutgrass,” according to an advisory from the Nevada Office of State Epidemiology.

A watch advisory means hazardous conditions are likely present. The state dashboard added the listings on Tuesday. Officials also downgraded the advisory for Virginia Lake in Reno from a HAB Warning to a HAB Watch.

While most HAB advisories this year have affected northern Nevada lakes, several locations on Lake Mohave are also experiencing algae blooms. Eagle Wash Cove, Morning Star Cove and Placer Cove are under HAB Warning conditions, and recent reports from the National Park Service include reports near Cottonwood Cove and just to the north.

According to the state’s dashboard, no illnesses — human or involving pets — have been confirmed so far this year in Nevada.

The danger comes from toxins produced by cyanobacteria. Incidents outside Nevada — including one case at Zion National Park — have resulted in dog deaths. Pets are particularly vulnerable if they drink the water or disturb the algae mats, causing the toxins to spread.

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