diff --git a/src/landlab/components/river_flow_dynamics/river_flow_dynamics.py b/src/landlab/components/river_flow_dynamics/river_flow_dynamics.py
index 0318ea4393..d15b4a3d70 100644
--- a/src/landlab/components/river_flow_dynamics/river_flow_dynamics.py
+++ b/src/landlab/components/river_flow_dynamics/river_flow_dynamics.py
@@ -545,23 +545,16 @@ def __init__(
         )
 
         # Using fixed entry nodes/links only when they exist
-        if len(self._fixed_entry_nodes) > 0:
-            self._fixed_nodes_exist = True
-        else:
-            self._fixed_nodes_exist = False
-
-        if len(self._fixed_entry_links) > 0:
-            self._fixed_links_exist = True
-        else:
-            self._fixed_links_exist = False
+        self._fixed_nodes_exist = len(self._fixed_entry_nodes) > 0
+        self._fixed_links_exist = len(self._fixed_entry_links) > 0
 
         # Updating grid fixed values according to the user input
-        if self._fixed_nodes_exist is True:
+        if self._fixed_nodes_exist:
             self._h[self._fixed_entry_nodes] = entry_nodes_h_values
             self._eta[self._fixed_entry_nodes] = (
                 entry_nodes_h_values - self._z[self._fixed_entry_nodes]
             )
-        if self._fixed_links_exist is True:
+        if self._fixed_links_exist:
             self._vel[self._fixed_entry_links] = entry_links_vel_values
 
         # Mapping node values at links