Flood control in Yuba County;

Created in 1959, Yuba Water Agency was formed in response to a catastrophic flood in 1955 that displaced 40,000 residents of Yuba City and killed 38. This disaster, caused by a levee collapse on the Feather River, convinced local authorities of the need for an agency to improve flood control systems in Yuba County.

The chance of catastrophic flooding in Yuba County is much lower these days due to efforts by Yuba Water Agency, local levee districts and the state and federal governments to shore up levees at the Yuba, Bear and Feather rivers. But while the county enjoys a 200-year level of protection—in other words, a 1-in-200 chance of catastrophic flooding—floods are still possible.

Yuba Water Agency manages water resources in Yuba County. Two of their primary objectives are managing flood flows and water supply. Yuba Water Agency wants residents to know they work tirelessly to reduce the risk of floods.

Established in 1959, Yuba Water Agency is dedicated to reducing flood risk, and safeguarding water supply for Yuba County. Despite significant runoff from a diminishing snowpack, the county demonstrated effective preparedness in managing last winter’s storms, leading to minimal impact on the region.

At the time of the Yuba City flood in December 1955, it was considered the most severe natural disaster in California since the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Starting December 18 and lasting for nine unrelenting days, torrential rain accompanied by high-speed wind drenched nearly 100,000 square miles.

Oscar Marin, born and raised in Yuba County, remembers many natural disasters—especially the floods in 1986 and 1997.