The Flood that Changed Everything
One major question remained: When would the former gravel pit actually become a lake?
Fresh groundwater naturally entered the site from underground springs at an estimated rate of two to three million gallons per day. For several years, that water continued to be pumped out while environmental work progressed.
Then came the winter of 1996–97.
Following a heavy Sierra snowpack, warm rain contributed to a massive New Year's flood. On January 1, 1997, the Truckee River surged through Reno and Sparks, inundating much of the industrial area.
As floodwaters continued rising, Sparks officials faced another immediate concern: a large apartment community near Sparks Boulevard was in danger.
The empty Marina basin offered a solution.
City leaders used the enormous basin to hold floodwater. In less than a day, approximately one billion gallons of water poured into the site, filling what would become Sparks Marina and helping protect the nearby apartment community.
The force of the flood caused substantial erosion along the southern side of the basin and damaged a portion of Interstate 80. Across the region, the flood caused widespread damage to businesses, roads and other properties.
But when the waters receded, the future of the Marina had changed forever.