Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have a question for the watershed council?

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Where can I learn more about the Truckee River and the watershed?

Explore this web site! Also look at the California Truckee River Atlas, California Department of Water Resources, 1991.
 For more information, click here.

Why is riparian habitat important to the Truckee River watershed?

Because meadow/riparian zones link land with water, they are important for most wildlife and they support larger densities and varieties of species than other habitats. They are also used for recreation, grazing, and water development.

Are there endangered species in the Truckee River watershed?

The watershed hosts a number of special status species including the Lahotan Cutthroat; California spotted owl, Northern goshawk and willow flycatcher; mountain yellow-legged frog; and plants including Dog Valley ivesia.

What fish are in the rivers and streams?

Native species include: mountain whitefish, Paiute sculpin, Lahontan redside sucker, Tahoe sucker, and mountain sucker, as well as the listed cui-ui and Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. Non-native fish include rainbow, brown trout and brook trout.

What plant communities are in the Truckee River watershed?

Vegetation cover includes mixed conifer forest, Great Basin sage scrub, and alpine meadows of grasses and wildflowers. Peaks are generally barren. Riparian vegetation of cottonwood, aspen, dogwood, willow, sedges and grasses grow along the river edges.

What soil types do we have in the watershed?

Soils above 6,500' are formed from weathered volcanic, metasedimentary and granitic rock and include glacial and alluvial deposits. Soils at 4,800-6,500' are formed primarily from weathered volcanic, rhyolitic and granitic rock and alluvial deposits.

What is the growing season in the watershed?

Higher elevations and cooler temperatures in the Middle Truckee watershed lead to a growing season of 50 to 100 days in the higher elevations to 115 or more days in the lower elevations.

How much rain and snow (precipitation) falls in the watershed?

The watershed receives on average 30-40" of precipitation per year. However, actual amounts can differ substantially within the watershed. For example, Webber Lake receives as much as 85" a year, while Upper Dog Creek can get 14".

What is the water quality of the Truckee River?

Streams in the Truckee River watershed appear to contain few contaminants and nutrients. However, the State has identified the Truckee River, Bear Creek, Bronco Creek, Gray Creek, and Squaw Creek as impaired for sediment.
 For more information, click here.

What are the lakes, reservoirs and dams in the Truckee River watershed?

The Truckee River watershed has six major lakes/reservoirs, including Independence Lake, Donner Lake, Martis Lake and Stampede, Prosser and Boca reservoirs.

What is the topography of the watershed?

A significant portion of the watershed is located above 6,000 feet, with steep tributary streams flowing through narrow, steep-walled canyons and other tributaries entering through wider, flatter glaciated channels.

What is the watershed profile - what are the changes in elevation?

Land ranges from 5,050' at the California-Nevada state line to 10,778' at the top of Mount Rose. The Truckee River starts at about 6,200' at the Lake Tahoe outlet and is at 5,000' at state line.

How big is Middle Truckee River watershed?

The Middle Truckee River watershed - the area draining into the Middle Truckee River - covers approximately 435 square miles, or 285,000 acres of land.

What are the Upper, Middle, and Lower Truckee River sections?

The Upper Truckee flows into the southern end of Lake Tahoe. The Middle Truckee flows out of Lake Tahoe and to the CA/NV state line. The Lower Truckee flows from the state line to Pyramid Lake.

What part of the Truckee River do you work on?

Our area of focus is the Middle Truckee River watershed. The watershed is the 35-mile stretch of river that runs northeast from Tahoe City to the California/Nevada state line, and all the tributaries that feed into this stretch of the river.

Who are the members of the Truckee River Watershed Council?

TRWC is a collaborative of agencies, private industry, local businesses, non-profits and individual citizens. Current participants are listed on the Signatories page. Any organization or individual can become a member of the TRWC.
 For more information, click here.

What is the mission of the Truckee River Watershed Council?

The mission of TRWC is to bring the community "Together for the Truckee". We restore, protect and enhance the Truckee River watershed.

How can I join the Truckee River Watershed Council?

You can become a Signatory of the TRWC. A Signatory is an organization or individual who has formally agreed to our mission, goals and programs by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
 For more information, see the related document: Truckee River Watershed Council MOU.

What are flows of the Truckee River?

California Flyfisher magazine, a signatory of the Truckee River Watershed Council, has done a great job organizing flow information on their web site.
 For more information, click here.

end faq