Novato Creek Bypass Study Project

About

This is a completed project. You are in the Archived Projects section of the website. Active projects can be found on the Projects webpage.

The purpose of the Novato Creek Bypass Study was to identify opportunities along Novato and lower Warner creeks and through the bypass drainage system for the following elements, which would reduce flood risk in downtown Novato and Nave Gardens:  

  • New flow gates 
  • Perimeter barriers 
  • Pump stations 
  • Increased stormwater detention  

This study built on prior work, such as the Novato Watershed Study, the City of Novato storm drain model, and the Countywide LiDAR surface data, to better analyze Novato Creek and the flood bypass system from Arroyo Avichi near South Novato Blvd through Baccaglio Basin, Scottsdale Marsh, and Lynwood Basin. 

Mapping and inspections of storm drains, drainage ditches and other facilities in Nave Gardens was completed in 2021.  Water level gauges were installed in fall 2022, with the rain events of winter 2022/2023 providing good data for the model development. 

Completed Project Goals 

  • Evaluated potential project alternative benefits for smaller flood events (e.g. 10-year event) than the 50-year event. 
  • Compared project alternatives' benefits and costs, project ranking, and review criteria with advisory board. 
  • Comprehensively evaluated the trade-offs between projects that benefit Nave Gardens/South Novato Blvd and their impacts elsewhere. 
  • Reviewed with City any potential storm drain improvements that may be more effective in conjunction with potential Zone 1 projects and any opportunities for flow gates in City’s road right-of-way. 

Timeline 

  • The study was completed in August 2024 and is available on request via contacting the District. 

Funding 

The estimated total cost for this study was initially $250,000. In December 2021, the Flood Zone 1 Advisory Board made a budget adjustment that increased the total study funding up to $300,000. 

Zone

Zone 1: Novato

Agencies and partners

  • City of Novato
  • Old Town Novato Flood Group
  • County of Marin Flood Zone 1

Contact

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