Summary: The Los Angeles Basin Flood

Heavy precipitation, the V shape canyons that surround the mountain ranges, and lack of vegetation covering the ground were a perfect formula for flooding in the Los Angeles Basin. The first recorded flood took place in 1815, and it washed away most of the original Pueblo De Los Angeles. The second recorded flood took place in 1825, which apparently changed the course of the River southward to the San Pedro Bay. Floods in 1832 deepened the new direction of the River towards the San Pedro Bay. In 1857 a strong earthquake on the San Andreas Fault caused the River to flood its banks. In January 1862, one of the more extensive floods in the history of California took place due to heavy precipitation. This flood destroyed the water distribution

Although this floods caused damage, agricultural lands benefited because the floods deposited new layers of silt on the land. The floods also brought over moisture to thirsty soils. Before the arrival of the railroads, most of the areas around the river were surrounded with agricultural land. However, after the railroads were built, people started to build homes in the floodplain. Trees such as cottonwoods and willows that anchored the River banks were cut off to build homes and fences. Furthermore, bridges used by railroads were so poorly designed that they almost acted as dams once enough material became trapped in their dense structures. The first deadly floods after the arrival of the railroad occurred in 1884. The storms were so strong, that the levees built in 1872 were washed away. Homes were destroyed and people drowned. Newcomers were most of the victims as they were the ones living closer to the floodplain. Another flood in 1886 occurred and washed away the new levees constructed by the city. Again, people drowned and damage to properties was significant. The population of Los Angeles tripled between 1880 and 1990. As the population grew, so did the amount of fatalities due to

The beginning of the millennium saw more steps to improve the River. Nonprofit organization such as FoLAR, Local, state and federal agencies all played key roles in determining the restoration plans for the Los Angeles River. Example of events include: California passed Proposition 13 (which embraces watershed protection), the city adopted the Revitalization Master Plan, the River is chosen for Federal Waters Pilot Program, the U.S. Army Corps of engineers recommends Alternative 20 (which is the most comprehensive restoration), and more. The River continues to improve as activists, citizens and government forces keep pushing through to restore it closer to its natural state. Below is a time line of events that highlight the River’s history. We hope that this summarized overview, gives you a complete idea of the rich history of the Los Angeles