On Friday, May 16, 2008, the Bureau of Reclamation, the owners of the Truckee Canal, authorized the Truckee Carson Irrigation District (TCID) to increase the flows in the canal from 250 cubic feet per second (cfs) to an upper limit of 350 cfs. 

The canal was closed after the breach of January 5, 2008, that damaged approximately 590 homes in the City of Fernley.  Beginning March 21, 2008, Reclamation authorized resumption of flows at a rate of flow of 150 cfs.  Authorization to increase flows to 250 cfs was granted to TCID on May 9, 2008, based on Reclamation's approval of certain requirements placed on TCID.  The new upper flow rate of 350 cfs is approximately one-half of the typical maximum flows in the canal.

Authorization of the increase to 350 cfs is based on Reclamation's approval of additional requirements placed on TCID to allow additional increases in flow beyond the 250 cfs level.  These requirements included implementation of a special rodent control program.  Reclamation has determined that TCID's completion of this requirement makes it safe to operate the canal at maximum flow rate of 350 cfs.

Operation of the canal will continue to be centered on safety and reliability. 

For more information about Truckee Canal operations, please contact Ms. Betsy Rieke, Area Manager, Lahontan Basin Area Office, Carson City, Nevada, at 775-884-8344.