Last verified 2026-05-17. The 2025-2026 winter program ran Nov 1, 2025 – Apr 30, 2026 at five locations. The program returns every year — check ReadyNevadaCounty.org/Sand before the next rainy season. [Source: nevadacountyca.gov/1240/Sand-Available (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Free sand for Nevada County residents
If you live in Nevada County and your home or driveway is at risk from winter rain, mud, or flooding, the County's Office of Emergency Services (OES) gives away free sand every winter so you can fill sandbags and protect your property.
When you can get sand
Sand is available every year from November 1 through April 30, while supplies last. It's first-come, first-served — busy storms can empty piles fast, so go early in the season if you can. [Source: nevadacountyca.gov/1240/Sand-Available (accessed 2026-05-17)]
What you need to bring
- Your own sandbags. OES provides the sand; you bring the bags.
- A shovel to fill them.
- Only take what you'll use. This keeps the program running for everyone.
You can buy empty sandbags at local hardware stores including B&C Hardware, A to Z Supply, and Hills Flat Lumber Co. — or online. Check store hours around holidays. [Source: nevadacountyca.gov/1240/Sand-Available (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Where to pick up sand
There are five self-serve pick-up locations across the county for the 2025-2026 season:
- Nevada County Warehouse — corner of Highway 49 and East Broad Street, Nevada City, CA 95959
- Penn Valley Fire Protection District — 10513 Spenceville Road, Penn Valley, CA 95946
- North San Juan Community Hall — 10057 Reservoir Street, North San Juan, CA 95960
- Higgins Fire Department — 10106 Combie Road, Auburn, CA 95602
- Old Corporation Yard (Truckee) — 10720 Riverview Drive, Truckee, CA 96161
[Source: hoodline.com/2025/11/nevada-county-offers-free-sand-for-storm-preparedness-as-winter-approaches (accessed 2026-05-17)]
How to fill and stack sandbags
- Fill each bag about half full — overfilled bags don't seal against the ground.
- Fold the top of the bag under itself; you don't need to tie it.
- Lay bags flat with the folded side down, like bricks, overlapping the seams.
- Place them around doorways, garage doors, downhill walls, or low spots where water flows in.
A typical home doorway takes about 8-10 bags. A garage door can take 20 or more.
Who can use it
Free sand is for Nevada County residents protecting personal property. No paperwork or ID check is mentioned, but the program is funded for residents — please don't take sand for commercial use or to resell.
If something goes wrong
- Pile is empty? Try another location, or check back after the next delivery. OES restocks during the season.
- Flooding emergency in progress? Call 9-1-1.
- Questions about the program? Nevada County Office of Emergency Services, 530-265-1515, oes@nevadacountyca.gov, Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. [Source: nevadacountyca.gov/3812/About-OES (accessed 2026-05-17)]
Stay ahead of the next storm
Sign up for CodeRED emergency alerts and read the Ready, Set, Go! handbook at ReadyNevadaCounty.org so you know before a storm hits, not during.