As the Sierra foothills head into what forecasters expect to be a very strong El Niño winter, the Nevada Irrigation District (NID) is already working behind the scenes to harden the region’s water system for months of storm activity. Crews are out inspecting canals, reinforcing vulnerable sections, clearing debris and coordinating reservoir operations to handle fast-moving runoff. For NID, winter readiness is a full-season effort that begins long before the first storm arrives.
California is entering the season with more than a 90 percent chance of a very strong El Niño, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The foothills may not experience the widespread flooding seen in larger river basins, but intense rainfall, rapid runoff and clogged drainage systems can still create challenges across the region. With storms expected to arrive quickly and forcefully, NID has spent months preparing the water system and the communities it supports.
Preparing the system before the rain arrives
Each fall, NID crews begin a close examination of the District’s extensive network of canals, flumes, spillways and culverts. They walk canal berms, inspect structures and look for anything that could worsen once the soil becomes saturated. Early repairs help the system remain resilient when winter storms arrive.
Water Superintendent Nathan Wasley explained that the work is both routine and essential.
“This time of year, we are focused on setting spills, lowering water levels and finding issues before the storms do,” he said. “A small repair now can prevent a much bigger problem later.”
Debris clearing is a major part of this preparation. Leaves, branches and sediment gather quickly in the fall, and crews move through the system to make sure water has a clear path. At the same time, hydrographers monitor changing forecasts and reservoir conditions so the system can safely absorb incoming runoff.
When a storm is approaching
As a storm takes shape, the pace of work accelerates. Crews repeat inspections of priority areas, checking canal berms, culverts and spillways. Equipment is fueled and staged, and staff are positioned so they can reach problem areas quickly.
“There is a point where everything becomes more focused,” said Chip Close, Director of Water Operations. “We stop thinking about general maintenance and start thinking about how this next storm will move through the system.”
A key operational step is the temporary shutdown of canal diversions. By closing the head gates where water enters the canals, NID reduces flows in open channels that are not designed to carry storm runoff. This protects canal berms from erosion and lowers the risk of overtopping.
While these temporary canal shutdowns help protect the system, they can also affect irrigation deliveries. Depending on the length and severity of the storm, customers may experience interruptions in irrigation water service during the event and for up to 24 hours afterward.
“It really protects the system,” Close explained. “During a storm, we want high water to stay in the river rather than moving through the canal system. Temporarily shutting off canal diversions helps protect canals, flumes and other infrastructure until conditions stabilize.”
During the storm, NID staff monitor reservoir levels, streamflows, weather updates and customer reports. Crews may be sent to clear downed trees, remove debris from culverts or inspect areas where runoff is especially intense. Operators adjust releases as conditions change.
After the storm
Once the storm passes, crews return to the field to assess the system. They look for erosion, downed trees, undercut canal berms and areas where water may have overtopped. Repairs are made quickly so the system is ready for the next round of weather, which can arrive only days later during an El Niño winter.
“This is a season of repeat cycles,” Close said. “Prepare before the storm, respond during it, inspect after it, and then get ready to do it again.”
Even with NID’s preparation, localized flooding can still occur. Driveway culverts can clog, small creeks can rise quickly, and pooling water can form where drainage is limited.
NID’s water system spans more than 500 miles of open-ditch canals that traverse thousands of private properties across Nevada, Placer and Yuba counties. During major storms, properties located below canal infrastructure can be vulnerable if debris, blocked culverts, fallen trees or other obstructions prevent water from moving through the system as intended. District officials encourage property owners to remain mindful of canal conditions near their homes and property during severe weather. NID crews are available 24 hours a day to respond to emergency situations and help address storm-related concerns affecting District facilities.
“Our terrain creates challenges that you do not always see elsewhere in California,” Close said. “Steep slopes and rural drainage systems can amplify small problems, which is why community preparation matters.”
Simple ways residents can prepare
NID encourages residents to take steps now to reduce storm impacts at home:
- Clear gutters, downspouts and driveway culverts
- Refresh emergency kits with updated supplies
- Review drainage on your property and remove obstructions
- Prepare for possible power outages by checking flashlights, batteries and backup charging options
- Confirm insurance coverage, especially if you live near a creek or low-lying area
Small efforts made early can reduce the risk of damage during long, wet winter months.
With a strong El Niño on the horizon, NID remains committed to keeping the water system resilient and ready. Crews are preparing infrastructure, monitoring conditions and standing by as storms approach. Residents can support this work by preparing their homes and property.
“Storm readiness works best when everyone participates,” Close said. “When our crews prepare the system and the community prepares their properties, we all move through winter more safely.”
This article appears in NID.
