The Rivers’ Flow
West Sacramento River Walk
Prior to European settlement in the mid-1800s, river flows in the valley changed with the seasons: spring torrents followed by low water during the summer. Construction of dams and other flood control measures during the mid-to late 1950s tamed the surrounding rivers’ unpredictable levels, but also destroyed the floodwaters’ natural role in clearing old debris and silt from the channel. Farmlands protected by levees no longer receive nourishing silt provided by periodic flooding.
The Sacramento River followed a meandering course of oxbow bends, islands, and sandbars before the banks were stabilized and fortified to prevent flooding.
Marker can be reached from 2nd Street.
Courtesy hmdb.org
