Flood control and habitat preservation in the Mojave River, Victorville, California

ABSTRACT

Victorville, California, was flooded during January and February 1993. Floodwater overtopped and eroded levees. Homes and streets were inundated, highway access ramps were closed, and interstate bridge spread footings were undermined by erosive return flows. Public and private damage totalled about $1.6 million. The Mojave River flows northward across 140 miles of desert from the San Bernardino Mountains to Soda Dry Lake (near Baker, California). The upper watershed receives over 40 inches of mean annual precipitation while the lower watershed receives only about 3 inches. Although the river is ephemeral, there is some perennial bedrock flow and continuous subsurface flow. Existing flood control structures include levees composed of sand reinforced by pile and wire revetment, and highway and railroad guide levees constructed to higher design standards. The 8000-ft study reach near Victorville is divided by the I-15 bridge. The upper half is primarily urban, containing homes, businesses and a campground; the lower half is primarily open space with some isolated agriculture and recreation