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Flood Warning System

The Flood Warning System is a network of streamflow and precipitation gages and weather stations used to monitor conditions and forecast potential flood events in the Truckee River watershed.

TRFMA is responsible for operating and maintaining a portion of the regional Flood Warning System’s network of stream gages and meteorological stations. This regional hydrologic data network includes a total of 157 gages, 30 of which are directly maintained by TRFMA employees. Real-time data from these gages is relayed to the local jurisdictions to develop rating curves and provide early warning of potential flooding in the Truckee Meadows. TRFMA cooperates with the U.S. Geological Survey and other agencies to fund, operate and maintain the network; and to transform the collected data into useable information for regional emergency flood response efforts.

TRFMA is the lead agency for implementing the Truckee River Flood Warning Plan, which is designed to notify emergency managers of potentially significant flooding approximately five to seven days in advance of an event. These notifications assist regional responders with emergency preparations, including activation of the Washoe County Regional Emergency Operations Center (REOC). Technical staff from TRFMA also provide support to the Washoe County REOC during heavy rain events.

TRFMA is a participating agency in a cooperative local effort among Washoe County, Reno, and Sparks to develop a Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan, which identifies natural hazards and potential mitigation measures to increase regional disaster resiliency and meet FEMA requirements for future disaster assistance. 

Technical personnel from TRFMA also participate in regional exercises designed to train agencies how best to respond to a variety of emergencies and natural disasters, including earthquakes and catastrophic floods events.

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