Nicasio Residents Fear Reservoir Sediment Will Trigger Severe Winter Floods

Residents in the tiny inland Marin County community of Nicasio are growing increasingly worried that their town will flood during upcoming heavy winter storms. Local homeowners trace their escalating flood risks back to the 1961 construction of the Nicasio Reservoir by the Marin Municipal Water District.

Due to back pressure from the reservoir, massive amounts of sediment have piled up in the local creek bed over the decades. As you explore various places to go throughout our region, understanding local environmental challenges provides a deeper appreciation for our historic towns.

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Table of Contents

The Rising Threat of Sedimentation

Decades of Accumulation

A district hydrologist reported that the ground level has risen by approximately nine feet, causing storm waters to spread out and inundate large areas. Residents note that properties which used to sit well above a deep creek bed now flood during sustained rainstorms.

Flood models indicate a 100-year flood event would submerge significant parts of the area, including Nicasio Elementary School and local homes. Community members argue that the obvious solution is to dredge the shallow spots to create a deeper, more confined water channel.

Community Frustrations and Permitting Hurdles

Although the water district cleared some vegetation and debris to reduce risks, it has no immediate plans to remove sediment this year due to lengthy permitting processes. Regular dredging of the creek historically took place after the reservoir was built, but that practice reportedly stopped in the 1990s.

With severe weather predicted, frustrated residents fear they are out of time and must simply hope they are spared from disaster. Protecting our local watersheds remains one of the most critical things to do for county advocates moving forward.

Here is the source article for this story: Marin County residents worried town will flood if creek isn’t dredged

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Joe Harris is the founder of MarinCountyVisitor.com, a comprehensive online resource inspired by his passion for Marin County's natural beauty, diverse communities, and rich cultural offerings. Combining his love for exploration with his intimate local knowledge, Joe curates an authentic guide to the area featuring guides on Marin County Cities, Things to Do, and Places to Stay. Follow Joe on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.