A lot of spirited debate is occurring in our community concerning the ongoing flood operations. Some question the wisdom in filling the reservoir because they fear doing so will put our community at risk. Others argue that it must be filled to satisfy the needs of the farmers. Here at Truckee-Carson Irrigation District, we hear these voices and we take everything into consideration in our decision-making.
Please know that TCID’s decision to fill the reservoir was not made lightly. This decision was made after careful consideration and analysis of the existing conditions in the mountains and the forecasts and models that are run by forecasters from different agencies. These forecasts are run every day with adjustments being made in our operations as needed. We compare what is likely to flow into the reservoir to what we need to release to satisfy irrigation demands. A calculated analysis is then made as to the likelihood that we will completely fill the reservoir and the probable timing of such an event. As the reservoir nears capacity, adjustments can and will be made on a daily basis to avoid an uncontrolled release. The BOR and TCID are experienced with this balancing exercise having done it in the recent past.
Everyone in this community knows how quickly we can move from an abundance of water to drought conditions so TCID has to do everything it can to prepare for the very real chance that drought will soon return. Those droughts are often catastrophic to the many family farms in our community. Thus, TCID must take advantage of this time of plenty by filling the reservoir. This does not mean, however, that we will fill the reservoir ignoring the associated risks to the community. Our number one priority is to prevent flooding while our second priority is to fill the reservoir.
Our community is extremely fortunate to have local government officials with the leadership and foresight to build the new weir on the V-Line Canal. We would be in a very different position right now without that new feature. The new weir gives us the flexibility of being able to increase the rate at which the reservoir is filled while still having the ability to ramp up precautionary releases if the forecast shows some danger ahead.
This high-water event is not over. Models suggest it is likely that additional precautionary releases will need to occur to avoid spilling over the flashboards at the dam. If and when that occurs we will have the option of sending water down the river channel and/or the weir. Thus, we ask the community to stay diligent and watch for changing conditions. In the meantime, let us enjoy the incredible community in which we live with fields producing in abundance.
Benjamin Shawcroft.
TCID General Manager
Jack Worsley
Area Manager
Lahontan Basin Area Office