San Gabriel River

San Gabriel River
Name	San Gabriel River
Length	43.6 miles (70.2 km)
Basin	713 square miles (1,847 km²)

San Gabriel River is a significant watercourse in Los Angeles County, California, flowing through the San Gabriel Valley and emptying into the Pacific Ocean. The river is approximately 43.6 miles (70.2 km) long and drains a watershed of 713 square miles (1,847 km²), which includes parts of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Puente Hills. The river's watershed is home to several major cities, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, and El Monte, and is also adjacent to the San Bernardino County line. The river's flow is influenced by the California Department of Water Resources and the United States Army Corps of Engineers.

Geography

The San Gabriel River flows through a diverse range of landscapes, including the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, the San Gabriel Valley, and the Coastal Plain. The river's watershed is bounded by the San Bernardino Mountains to the east and the Santa Monica Mountains to the west. The river passes through several cities, including Azusa, Baldwin Park, and Downey, before emptying into the Pacific Ocean near the city of Long Beach. The river's geography is also influenced by the Whittier Narrows, a narrow passage that connects the San Gabriel Valley to the Los Angeles Basin. The river's watershed is adjacent to several other major watersheds, including the Los Angeles River and the Santa Ana River.

Hydrology

The San Gabriel River's hydrology is characterized by a mix of natural and artificial influences. The river's flow is influenced by the California Department of Water Resources and the United States Army Corps of Engineers, which operate several dams and reservoirs along the river, including the San Gabriel Dam and the Morris Dam. The river's watershed is also home to several major aqueducts, including the California Aqueduct and the Los Angeles Aqueduct, which supply water to several major cities, including Los Angeles and San Diego. The river's hydrology is also influenced by the National Weather Service and the United States Geological Survey, which monitor the river's flow and water quality. The river's flow is also affected by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation.

History

The San Gabriel River has a rich and diverse history, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Tongva and Chumash Native American tribes. The river was also an important route for early Spanish explorers, including Juan Crespí and Gaspar de Portolà, who arrived in the area in the 18th century. The river's watershed was also home to several major Ranchos, including the Rancho San Gabriel and the Rancho Los Cerritos, which were established during the Mexican War of Independence. The river's history is also closely tied to the development of the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, which built lines along the river in the late 19th century. The river's history is also influenced by the California Gold Rush and the Mexican-American War.

Ecology

The San Gabriel River's ecology is characterized by a diverse range of plant and animal species, including the California condor, the coyote, and the mountain lion. The river's watershed is home to several major ecosystems, including the Chaparral and the Coastal sage scrub, which support a wide range of plant and animal species. The river's ecology is also influenced by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, which monitor the river's water quality and habitat. The river's ecology is also affected by the invasive species such as the Arundo donax and the Tamarix ramosissima. The river's watershed is adjacent to several other major ecosystems, including the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and the Channel Islands National Park.

Recreation

The San Gabriel River offers a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking. The river's watershed is home to several major parks and recreation areas, including the San Gabriel River Trail and the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. The river's recreation opportunities are managed by the United States Forest Service and the California State Parks, which operate several campgrounds and picnic areas along the river. The river's recreation opportunities are also influenced by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and the Orange County Parks and Recreation. The river's watershed is adjacent to several other major recreation areas, including the Angeles National Forest and the Cleveland National Forest.

Course

The San Gabriel River's course is approximately 43.6 miles (70.2 km) long and flows through a diverse range of landscapes, including the San Gabriel Mountains and the Coastal Plain. The river's course is influenced by the geology of the area, including the San Andreas Fault and the Puente Hills Fault. The river's course is also affected by the climate of the area, including the Mediterranean climate and the semi-arid climate. The river's course passes through several major cities, including Azusa, Baldwin Park, and Downey, before emptying into the Pacific Ocean near the city of Long Beach. The river's course is adjacent to several other major watercourses, including the Los Angeles River and the Santa Ana River. The river's course is also influenced by the United States Army Corps of Engineers and the California Department of Water Resources, which operate several dams and reservoirs along the river.

Category:Rivers of California