The channel is designed to move water as quickly as possible to the ocean. During winter floods the water at this point can be racing at 35 m.p.h. and the sloped walls make it almost impossible for anyone who is caught in the river to escape. Search and Rescue teams have attempted to lower ropes and life preservers to river flood victims from these last few bridges. But many times the victims are too cold and tired to hold on.
The death of two victims in 1980 and 1992 led local resident Nancy Rigg to push for the creation of the Los Angeles County Multi-Agency Swift Water Rescue Task Force. The task force has now mapped out all 470 miles of the county flood control system and chosen numerous rescue locations. Ms. Rigg has also produced a safety video, "No Way Out", with a grant from the county Public Works Department which educates students on the dangers of flool control channels during winter storms. 30
A recreational bicyclist enjoys the long bike path that stradles the river for several miles.
The City of Lakewood has posted a map of the flood hazard zone online. This map is based on the Army Corps of Engineers' data and issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). According to FEMA, the flood hazard zone can extend up to five miles from the river. FoLAR has published a flood control plan which it claims can safeguard the property owners along the lower river, and provide other functions such as groundwater recharge too.
The prospect of flooding this winter due to El Nño storms has focused the attention of residents and government agencies. Classes are being taught on how to fill and use sand bags. Los Angeles County has secured permitts to clear vegetation and debris from the channels. Enviornmentalists are worried that in the ten percent of the channels that contain soft bottoms, too many native plants will be removed. They urge the removal first of the non-native plants such as arundo and castor bean.
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!
Yes! I like the Los Angeles River Virtual Tour, but my socks are wet and my feet are cold, so I would like to learn more about . . .
| | Plants | Animals | Birds | Microorganisms | Water | Human Impact | Art | History | |