OCR Text |
Show -9- through the ridge and set a large volume of water into the ancient and ill-defined over flow channel of the Salton. As a result, this channel was cleared out, widened and deepened. The channel now varies in width from 75 to 400 feet, and from the west line of the Algodones to the Mesquite Lake in San Diego County has a depth of from 10 to 14 feet below the general surface. I find it entirely feasible to utilize this channel as our Main Trunk Line for a distance of about fifty miles. With but little work in improving its regiment it will carry sufficient water for the irrigation of at least 600,000, acres. To utilize it, it will be necessary to throw weirs across at points where we desire to take out branches, as its water level will be below the surface. The existance [sic] of this channel con-trolls the question of canal location for the present, and will for many years to come, since it will save us a years time in construction and over $500,000 in actual expense. New River. The New River on the west of the Valley presents similar features. The Volcano Lake (see map) is on the summit of the water shed between the Gulf and the Salton Sink. It is filled by the Padrones and Los Avagas Rivers, branches of the Colorado. Its natural outlet is through the Hardy River; but when in flood it reaches a certain elevation a portion of its waters pass to the north through the New River. This channel will be eventually utilized in our proposed system. Both streams can be controlled safely at but little expense. Overflow. Naturally the question will arise, is there danger from the overflow of the Colorado? To this I can answer, positively, no, not to any of the lands in California, nor to those lying north of the Padrones River and west of the Algodones Ranch in Lower California |
Source |
Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |