Headwaters of the Los Angeles River

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Urbanization spreads into the watershed of the Los Angeles River.

The San Fernando Valley is surrounded by steep mountains and hills. As a result, winter rains speed quickly down these slopes and have very little time to seep into the ground. These mountains border a watershed for the Los Angeles River that covers over 800 square miles.
First stream water

This small stream in the western hills of the valley is an example of the very beginnings of the river. This water flows near a gated subdivision. If this water does not seep into the ground within half a mile, it will flow into its first concrete channel and on towards the L.A. River.
Suburbia expands. Suburban tract homes creep higher and higher into the hills surrounding Los Angeles. This spreading urbanization also provides less opportunity for rain water to sink into the soil. More runoff is collected by asphalt and concrete and directed into the Los Angeles River drainage system. As the watershed is increasingly paved over, the carrying capacity of the channelized river is strained.

Continue the tour here.So batten down your hard drives and cover your keyboards. The adventures of the urban river awaits you. Good Luck and remember, don't drink the water!

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