Imperial Diversion, located in Imperial, California, is a federal irrigation structure along the Colorado River designed by the Bureau of Reclamation and completed in 1937. With a height of 85 feet and a storage capacity of 160,000 acre-feet, this buttress dam serves the primary purpose of providing water for agricultural irrigation in the region. Managed by the Bureau of Reclamation, this structure has a high hazard potential and a moderate risk assessment, making it a critical piece of infrastructure for water resource management in the area.
The Imperial Diversion plays a vital role in water distribution and storage, with a normal storage capacity of 74,000 acre-feet and a surface area of 7,000 acres. Despite its age, the dam has been inspected regularly by the Bureau of Reclamation, with the last inspection conducted in July 2020. While its condition assessment is currently unavailable, emergency action plans have been prepared and updated to ensure the safety and security of the surrounding communities in the event of a potential hazard.
Operating under the jurisdiction of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Reclamation, the Imperial Diversion stands as a testament to the engineering ingenuity of its time and continues to serve as a crucial resource for irrigation purposes in the region. With its strategic location along the Colorado River and its significant storage capacity, this structure remains a cornerstone of water management in Imperial County, California, contributing to the sustainable development and utilization of water resources amidst a changing climate landscape.
MEX. BUTTERCUP
The Mexicali or Mex Buttercup (Ranunculus macropetalus) is a rare, endemic plant species found only in the Salton Sea watershed of California. It is a member of the buttercup family ...
A-7 PASS
The A 7 Pass is a scenic drive located in the Salton Sea watershed of California. The pass runs through the Santa Rosa Mountains and provides stunning views of the ...
LI'L BUTTERCUP
The Li'l Buttercup is a historic paddlewheel boat located in the Salton Sea watershed of California. It was built in 1908 and was initially used for mining and transportation in ...
GRAYS WELL
The Grays Well, located in the Salton Sea watershed of California, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The well is a natural spring that flows from ...
PLANK ROAD
The Plank Road was a wooden toll road that was built in the early 1900s to connect the Imperial Valley to the rest of California. It was constructed over the ...
KENNEY'S
The Kenney S is a wetland located in the Salton Sea watershed of California, covering an area of about 260 acres. It is a popular destination for birdwatchers, hikers, and ...
210 BORDER MONUMENT
The 210 Border Monument is a historic landmark located in the Salton Sea watershed of California, marking the border between the United States and Mexico. The monument was established in ...
MONKEY PAW
The Monkey Paw is a geological formation located in the Salton Sea watershed of California. This unique landmark is a large rock formation that resembles the shape of a monkey's ...
SWINGLES
The Swingles are a collection of unique and colorful trees located in the Salton Sea watershed of California. These trees are a rare sight, as they are the only ones ...
BUTTERCUP VALLEY
The Buttercup Valley is a remote desert valley located in the Salton Sea watershed of California. The valley is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, which includes a variety ...
Snoflo Premium
Get unlimited access to all our content
With no Ad interruptions!