Science in the Truckee River Basin Active
Upper Truckee River at South Lake Tahoe
Truckee River at Reno
Truckee River near Tracy
Truckee River below Derby Dam
Pyramid Lake
The Truckee River flows for 120 miles from the outlet of Lake Tahoe in California, into Nevada, through the city of Reno, until it terminates at Pyramid Lake and is the only source of surface-water outflow from Lake Tahoe. The majority of the streamflow in the Truckee River comes from the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Contributions to the river in Nevada are small due to the Sierra Nevada’s “rain shadow effect” which limits annual precipitation in the Nevada part of the Truckee River basin to less than 10 inches per year. The Truckee River supplies water to a diverse group of water users: power generation, municipalities, industry, and agriculture as well as being the primary source of water for Pyramid Lake. The Truckee is critical to maintaining Pyramid Lake water levels and supporting the endangered cui-ui lakesucker and the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.
The Truckee River basin (hydrographic region 6) covers over 4,700 square miles and straddles the California-Nevada border. The Truckee River Basin includes the following hydrographic areas: Winnemucca Lake Valley, pyramid Lake Valley, Dodge Flat, Tracy Segment, Warm Springs Valley, Spanish Springs Valley, Sun Valley, Truckee Meadows, pleasant Valley, Washoe Valley, Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Truckee Canyon Segment. Major cities in the Truckee River Basin are Truckee, California, and Reno and Sparks, Nevada.
Conflicts regarding Truckee River water rights have been long-standing and intense among various economic, political, ecological, and institutional interests because the average-annual demand for water is greater than the supply. Water rights are fully or over-allocated with respect to annual water volumes. Diversions from the Truckee River, along with the arid desert enviroment, caused water levels in Pyramid Lake to drop more than 90 feet between 1891 and 1966. Water levels in Pyramid Lake have stabilized although they still fluctuate in response to hydrologic conditions.
One of the first large diversions of the Truckee River was authorized by the 1902 Reclamation Act for agricultural irrigation. Allocations of water from the Truckee River are now governed by the Truckee River Operating Agreement which is a major part of Public Law 101-618, the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights
Settlement Act of 1990.
USGS Nevada Water Science Center maintains more than 42 streamflow gages on the Truckee River.
AVAILABLE DATA
Real-Time Streamflow :: Daily Values :: Peak-Flow:: Water Quality
ACTIVE STUDIES IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER BASIN
Hydroclimatic-Socioecolgical Modeling Science
Lake Tahoe Science
Lake Tahoe Tributary Monitoring
Lake Tahoe Water Quality Shorezone Monitoring
Nutrient Source Identification in Groundwater and Periphyton Along the Nearshore of Lake Tahoe
Water Availability and Use Science
Effects of Groundwater Withdrawals, Tracy Segment
Evaluating Artificial Storage and Recovery Potential of Bedell Flat, Washoe County, Nevada
COMPLETED STUDIES IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER BASIN
Lake Tahoe Nearshore Periphyton Study
Periphyton, a type of algae, is growing on bottom sediment and rocks along nearshore areas of Lake Tahoe. Periphyton is seen as a nuisance and negatively impacts the recreational value of the lake. Periphyton biomass (PB) data collected along the nearshore of Lake Tahoe exhibit increasing trends over the last decade. However, the mechanisms that have caused these changes are not well understood.
Visit the project web page: Lake Tahoe Nearshore Periphyton Study
If you would like information about other completed studies, please email the NVWSC at GS-W-NVpublic-info@ usgs.gov.
Nevada Water Science Center projects in the Truckee River Basin are linked below.
Nevada Water Science Center publications for the Truckee River Basin are listed below.
Traveltime data for the Truckee River between Tahoe City, California, and Vista, Nevada, 2006 and 2007
Using semi-permeable membrane devices and stable nitrogen isotopes to detect anthropogenic influences on the Truckee River, USA
The Effectiveness of Cattlemans Detention Basin, South Lake Tahoe, California
Hydrology, water chemistry, and revised water budgets for Tracy Segment hydrographic area, Storey, Washoe, and Lyon Counties, west-central Nevada, 1998-2002
Nutrient concentrations in Upper and Lower Echo, Fallen Leaf, Spooner, and Marlette Lakes and associated outlet streams, California and Nevada, 2002-03
Ground-water pumpage and artificial recharge estimates for calendar year 2000 and average annual natural recharge and interbasin flow by hydrographic area, Nevada
Gasoline-related organics in Lake Tahoe before and after prohibition of carbureted two-stroke engines
Estimated flood flows in the Lake Tahoe basin, California and Nevada
Streamflow and water-quality data for selected watersheds in the Lake Tahoe basin, California and Nevada, through September 1998
Physical data and biological data for algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish from selected reaches on the Carson and Truckee rivers, Nevada and California, 1993-97
Hydrogeologic framework of Antelope Valley and Bedell Flat, Washoe County, west-central Nevada
River and Reservoir Operations Model, Truckee River basin, California and Nevada, 1998
These are the partners that we are working with currently in the Truckee River Basin. A complete list of our partners is available here: Partners page
- Overview
The Truckee River flows for 120 miles from the outlet of Lake Tahoe in California, into Nevada, through the city of Reno, until it terminates at Pyramid Lake and is the only source of surface-water outflow from Lake Tahoe. The majority of the streamflow in the Truckee River comes from the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Contributions to the river in Nevada are small due to the Sierra Nevada’s “rain shadow effect” which limits annual precipitation in the Nevada part of the Truckee River basin to less than 10 inches per year. The Truckee River supplies water to a diverse group of water users: power generation, municipalities, industry, and agriculture as well as being the primary source of water for Pyramid Lake. The Truckee is critical to maintaining Pyramid Lake water levels and supporting the endangered cui-ui lakesucker and the threatened Lahontan cutthroat trout.
The Truckee River basin (hydrographic region 6) covers over 4,700 square miles and straddles the California-Nevada border. The Truckee River Basin includes the following hydrographic areas: Winnemucca Lake Valley, pyramid Lake Valley, Dodge Flat, Tracy Segment, Warm Springs Valley, Spanish Springs Valley, Sun Valley, Truckee Meadows, pleasant Valley, Washoe Valley, Lake Tahoe Basin, and the Truckee Canyon Segment. Major cities in the Truckee River Basin are Truckee, California, and Reno and Sparks, Nevada.
Conflicts regarding Truckee River water rights have been long-standing and intense among various economic, political, ecological, and institutional interests because the average-annual demand for water is greater than the supply. Water rights are fully or over-allocated with respect to annual water volumes. Diversions from the Truckee River, along with the arid desert enviroment, caused water levels in Pyramid Lake to drop more than 90 feet between 1891 and 1966. Water levels in Pyramid Lake have stabilized although they still fluctuate in response to hydrologic conditions.
One of the first large diversions of the Truckee River was authorized by the 1902 Reclamation Act for agricultural irrigation. Allocations of water from the Truckee River are now governed by the Truckee River Operating Agreement which is a major part of Public Law 101-618, the Truckee-Carson-Pyramid Lake Water Rights
Settlement Act of 1990.USGS Nevada Water Science Center maintains more than 42 streamflow gages on the Truckee River.
AVAILABLE DATA
Real-Time Streamflow :: Daily Values :: Peak-Flow:: Water Quality
ACTIVE STUDIES IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER BASIN
Hydroclimatic-Socioecolgical Modeling Science
Lake Tahoe Science
Lake Tahoe Tributary Monitoring
Lake Tahoe Water Quality Shorezone Monitoring
Nutrient Source Identification in Groundwater and Periphyton Along the Nearshore of Lake Tahoe
Water Availability and Use Science
Effects of Groundwater Withdrawals, Tracy Segment
Evaluating Artificial Storage and Recovery Potential of Bedell Flat, Washoe County, Nevada
COMPLETED STUDIES IN THE TRUCKEE RIVER BASIN
Lake Tahoe Nearshore Periphyton Study
Periphyton, a type of algae, is growing on bottom sediment and rocks along nearshore areas of Lake Tahoe. Periphyton is seen as a nuisance and negatively impacts the recreational value of the lake. Periphyton biomass (PB) data collected along the nearshore of Lake Tahoe exhibit increasing trends over the last decade. However, the mechanisms that have caused these changes are not well understood.
Visit the project web page: Lake Tahoe Nearshore Periphyton Study
If you would like information about other completed studies, please email the NVWSC at GS-W-NVpublic-info@ usgs.gov.
- Science
Nevada Water Science Center projects in the Truckee River Basin are linked below.
- Data
- Publications
Nevada Water Science Center publications for the Truckee River Basin are listed below.
Filter Total Items: 70Traveltime data for the Truckee River between Tahoe City, California, and Vista, Nevada, 2006 and 2007
Traveltime measurements were made during 2006 and 2007 along the Truckee River between Tahoe City, Calif., and Vista, Nev. Fluorescent rhodamine WT dye was injected at various locations along the river during streamflows ranging from 143 to 2,660 cubic feet per second. The resulting data, presented in tabular and graphic form, may be useful to water-quality modelers or water-resources managers conAuthorsE. James CromptonUsing semi-permeable membrane devices and stable nitrogen isotopes to detect anthropogenic influences on the Truckee River, USA
Stable nitrogen isotopes (??15N) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were used together to provide evidence of potential anthropogenic connections to aquatic organisms in the Truckee River, which flows through the Reno/Sparks metropolitan area in Nevada. Crayfish, snail, and periphyton ??15N values, and SPMD toxicity data collected during high and low flow periods at seven primary sites onAuthorsL. Saito, Michael R. Rosen, S. Chandra, C.H. Fritsen, J.A. Arufe, C. ReddThe Effectiveness of Cattlemans Detention Basin, South Lake Tahoe, California
Lake Tahoe (Nevada-California) has been designated as an 'outstanding national water resource' by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, in part, for its exceptional clarity. Water clarity in Lake Tahoe, however, has been declining at a rate of about one foot per year for more than 35 years. To decrease the amount of sediment and nutrients delivered to the lake by way of alpine streams, wetlandAuthorsJena M. GreenHydrology, water chemistry, and revised water budgets for Tracy Segment hydrographic area, Storey, Washoe, and Lyon Counties, west-central Nevada, 1998-2002
No abstract available.AuthorsCarl E. Thodal, Mary L. TumbuschNutrient concentrations in Upper and Lower Echo, Fallen Leaf, Spooner, and Marlette Lakes and associated outlet streams, California and Nevada, 2002-03
Five lakes and their outlet streams in the Lake Tahoe Basin were sampled for nutrients during 2002-03. The lakes and streams sampled included Upper Echo, Lower Echo, Fallen Leaf, Spooner, and Marlette Lakes and Echo, Taylor, and Marlette Creeks. Water samples were collected to determine seasonal and spatial concentrations of dissolved nitrite plus nitrate, dissolved ammonia, total Kjeldahl nitrogeAuthorsMichael S. LicoGround-water pumpage and artificial recharge estimates for calendar year 2000 and average annual natural recharge and interbasin flow by hydrographic area, Nevada
Nevada's reliance on ground-water resources has increased because of increased development and surface-water resources being fully appropriated. The need to accurately quantify Nevada's water resources and water use is more critical than ever to meet future demands. Estimated ground-water pumpage, artificial and natural recharge, and interbasin flow can be used to help evaluate stresses on aquiferAuthorsThomas J. Lopes, David M. EvettsGasoline-related organics in Lake Tahoe before and after prohibition of carbureted two-stroke engines
On June 1, 1999, carbureted two-stroke engines were banned on waters within the Lake Tahoe Basin of California and Nevada. The main gasoline components MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes) were present at detectable concentrations in all samples taken from Lake Tahoe during 1997–98 prior to the ban. Samples taken from 1999 through 2001 after the banAuthorsM. S. LicoEstimated flood flows in the Lake Tahoe basin, California and Nevada
Lake Tahoe, the largest alpine lake in North America, covers about 192 square miles (mi2) of the 506-mi2 Lake Tahoe Basin, which straddles the border between California and Nevada (Fig. 1). In cooperation with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) estimates the flood frequencies of the streams that enter the lake. Information about potential flooding ofAuthorsE. James Crompton, Glen W. Hess, Rhea P. WilliamsStreamflow and water-quality data for selected watersheds in the Lake Tahoe basin, California and Nevada, through September 1998
The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, and the University of California, Davis-Tahoe Research Group, has monitored tributaries in the Lake Tahoe Basin since 1988. This monitoring has characterized streamflow and has determined concentrations of nutrients and suspended sediment, which may have contributed to loss of clarity in Lake Tahoe. The Lake TahoeAuthorsT.G. Rowe, D.K. Saleh, S.A. Watkins, C.R. KratzerPhysical data and biological data for algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish from selected reaches on the Carson and Truckee rivers, Nevada and California, 1993-97
This report, a product of the National Water- Quality Assessment Program, is a compilation of physical data and biological data for algae, aquatic invertebrates, and fish collected in the Carson and Truckee River Basins, Nevada and California. Most of the data were collected between 1993 and 1996 at selected reaches on the Carson and Truckee Rivers. Algae and aquatic invertebrate samples wAuthorsS.J. Lawrence, R. L. SeilerHydrogeologic framework of Antelope Valley and Bedell Flat, Washoe County, west-central Nevada
Description of the hydrogeologic framework of Antelope Valley and Bedell Flat in west-central Nevada adds to the general knowledge of regional ground-water flow north of the Reno-Sparks metropolitan area. The hydrogeologic framework is defined by the rocks and deposits that transmit ground water or impede its movement and by the combined thickness of Cenozoic deposits. When data are lacking aboutAuthorsD.L. Berger, D. A. Ponce, W.C. RossRiver and Reservoir Operations Model, Truckee River basin, California and Nevada, 1998
The demand for all uses of water in the Truckee River Basin, California and Nevada, commonly is greater than can be supplied. Storage reservoirs in the system have a maximum effective total capacity equivalent to less than two years of average river flows, so longer-term droughts can result in substantial water-supply shortages for irrigation and municipal users and may stress fish and wildlife ecAuthorsSteven N. Berris, Glen W. Hess, Larry R. Bohman - Web Tools
- Partners
These are the partners that we are working with currently in the Truckee River Basin. A complete list of our partners is available here: Partners page
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