Press Release | For Immediate Release | https://trfma.org/ | Reno, NV | December 1st, 2025
The Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA) is advancing the Vista Narrows Flood Mitigation Project into its final design phase. This project is designed to mitigate flooding by widening the river channel, creating a series of floodplain terraces, and restoring riparian and wetland habitats. After years of engineering, modeling, environmental review, and permitting, it is now moving towards 100% design. Construction could begin as early as 2027, though 2028 is more likely.
Why build Vista Narrows?
Located downstream of Reno and Sparks, Vista Narrows is a critical component of TRFMA’s regional flood management plan. That plan, known as the Truckee Meadows Flood Project, is a series of levees, floodwalls, and channel improvements designed to work interdependently to protect the community from billions of dollars in flood damage once they are constructed. The area around Vista Narrows forms a natural pinch point on the river that has historically caused water to back up into the valley, contributing to past flood events such as those in 1997, 2005, and 2017. Vista Narrows must be built before other projects can be implemented upstream because it will ensure the river can safely carry the increased flows that will result from keeping floodwater out of the airport, neighborhoods, and industrial areas around the river.
How Vista Narrows Helps Lower Flood Risk
- Widens the river channel through strategic excavation, allowing the river to safely convey higher flows and lower flood water levels upstream.
- Creates a series of floodplain terraces, or stepped bench features, alongside the river, that provide additional areas of low floodplain where water can spread out rather than backing up.
- Restores in-stream, riparian, and wetland habitats, improving ecological conditions while also enhancing the floodplain’s natural water-holding capacity.
Planning for a Flood Resilient Community
Flooding along the Truckee River is a matter of when, not if. Projects like Vista Narrows and the broader Truckee Meadows Flood Project are essential investments in long-term safety and resilience for the region. As the final design progresses, TRFMA will continue working with local partners to refine this project and prepare for construction.
More updates will be shared as the project moves forward! A short video is provided that explains the vision and effects of the project.
The Vista Narrows Flood Mitigation Project
About the Truckee River Flood Management Authority (TRFMA):
TRFMA is a joint effort among the cities of Reno and Sparks, Washoe County, and numerous other stakeholders to reduce the devastating impacts of flooding along the Truckee River in Washoe County, Nevada.
View/Download PDF: Vista Narrows Flood Mitigation Project Moves into Final Design