Flood Preparedness

The good news is that Truckee River flood control is finally being taken seriously. A "living river" plan has been approved and the first steps toward implementation have been put in motion. The bad news is that residents and businesses situated in flood-prone areas remain at risk, a fact that won't change much for years to come.

Right now, it doesn't take much extra water for the Truckee River through Reno and Sparks to get out of hand. Human fiddling with the natural flow of the river, together with development in places where flood waters periodically cover the land, have placed us in a delicate dance with the whims of nature.

As I keep a tally on the growing Sierra snowpack, I see an increasing potential for flooding this season. A little warm weather, rain when it should still be snow, and the Truckee could go from mild to wild overnight. Even so, you don't need to keep a boat parked on the front porch and hope for the best. Check out our flood preparedness information to find out how to get ready and be safe if the water starts rising.