NEVADA FLOW REPORT
Last Updated: December 22, 2025
In this report, we examine the recent streamflow data for rivers across Nevada, providing insights valuable to river enthusiasts including paddlers, anglers, and environmental observers. Across Nevada's varied landscapes, the state's waterways exhibit a dynamic range of streamflows indicative of seasonal trends and potential hydrologic events. Notably, the Truckee River, vital to the Reno-Sparks area, has seen dramatic increases in flow that could intrigue whitewater enthusiasts and alert conservationists to potential flooding. The river's current streamflow near Sparks has surged to 2,430 cubic feet per second (cfs), a sizeable 398.97 cfs increase in the last 24 hours, sitting at a striking 536.39% of normal flow levels. Similarly, gage height readings, a vital metric for river navigation, have risen substantially, with Truckee River near Tracy marking a height of 9.8 feet.
Conversely, the Colorado River below Davis Dam, another major waterway, presents a contrasting picture, with current streamflows at 5,050 cfs, reflecting a slight decrease over the past day and registering at 18.04% below normal levels, suggesting flow conditions less conducive to flooding. In the southern part of the state, Las Vegas Wash shows reduced streamflow at 17.63% below normal, an indicator of flow drought conditions that may affect the local ecosystem and water supply to the surrounding Henderson area. Meanwhile, enthusiasts of the East Fork Carson River near Gardnerville are witnessing streamflows at a robust 308.95% of normal, accompanied by a gage height of 10.51 feet, indicating possible high water levels that could impact nearby communities. These trends and figures highlight the ever-changing nature of Nevada's rivers, underlining the importance of close monitoring by those who revel in the state's rich aquatic offerings or depend on its waters for ecological and municipal stability.
Nevada's climate is arid and semi-arid, with most precipitation occurring as snow in the mountains during the winter months. Major surface flows include the Humboldt River, Truckee River, and Walker River, which are heavily managed and regulated due to their importance for agriculture and urban water supplies. Major reservoirs/dams include Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, and the Hoover Dam. Nevada's hydrology is heavily influenced by its geology, with a high degree of groundwater storage and limited surface water availability. Snowpack data is critical for water management, with the majority of the state's water supply coming from snowmelt. The Colorado River Basin also plays a significant role in Nevada's water resources, with the state receiving a portion of its allocation from the basin.