Living in the Truckee River Flood Plain:
The Truckee River celebrated New Year 2005 by flooding parts of downtown Reno and surrounding low spots in the Truckee Meadows. It was just another in what has been a never-ending series of periodic Truckee rampages ever since settlers set up a town on the banks of the river. Inevitable as the flooding has been, a glimmer of light at the end of a watery tunnel has finally been lit.
Truckee River Flood Control Planning:
Roughly every ten years, the Truckee River generates a damaging flood. The 1997 inundation was a major event, putting downtown Reno under several feet of water and turning much of the Sparks industrial area into an inland sea. Before then, what is now Sparks Marina Park was a big hole in the ground called Helms Gravel Pit. Filled with flood water, the pit became Nevada's newest lake.
This flood was the impetus for launching the Flood Project Coordinating Committee, a group of local officials whose goal is prodding the political process toward taking real action on flood protection. The recent agreement on a "living river" flood control concept has started real steps toward making life in the Truckee flood plain a less risky proposition.
Truckee River Flood Project Information:
Plan Ahead, Be Flood Ready:
Meanwhile, the threat of flooding remains very real. Use these resources to assess the risk and be prepared should a flood be predicted. By being ready, you will be safer and can minimize property damage.
Reno Flood Information Center
Emergency preparedness in event of a Truckee River flood in Reno.
Sparks Flood Assistance Information
City of Sparks flood assistance programs.
Truckee Meadows Flood Awareness
Flood safety information and tips on how to keep your family and business flood safe, flood zone maps, helpful information from FEMA (The Federal Emergency Management Agency), emergency contacts and more.
Nevada Department of Public Safety Emergency Management
Learn about resources available through the State of Nevada in event of a flood emergency.
