Eastern Sierra

Eastern Sierra
Eastern Sierra snow October 2010

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Whitewater River




The Whitewater River runs down the canyon onto the desert, where it replenishes the great aquifer for the entire Coachella Valley, so we especially rely on this water.  According to the water district, it takes 8 years for the season's snow to seep down and be used again.  Isn't that interesting?  So, this year's snow is what we'll all be drinking in 8 years!  Don't be fooled by this river...it can be DEADLY, as people unfortunately have discovered when they swim in it further down.  No, no, no!  This is a quick-moving river!  People used to stop and swim in it down by Highway 111 outside of Palm Springs, but I believe there are now warning signs and it is patrolled.  You can see, in these photos, where the river surged after the storm two days ago.

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