WSP10018

• File Number: 8278.400
• Description: Title I - Mexican Treaty
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 7/27/1942
• Author: Com. Of 14, CRBS
• Title: Memoranda In Explanation and Support of Resolution Adopted by the Committee on June 20, 1942, Relating to an Apportionment of the Waters of the Colorado River to Mexico
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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II.
GEOGHA?HY AND HISTORY
. -
OF DEVELOPI\;ENT OF THE DELTA

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It is most i1:1portant that a full understanding be had

of the various f,",~tors relative to the delta of the

Colorado River, and their relation to the suggested plan

for the allocation of the waters of the River between the

United States and Mexico. As ShO\Vll on the map opposite

(Exhibit 2), the delta begins at approximately the inter-

section of the California-mexico boundary with the River,
and extends from that point to the west and north into
Imperial and Coachella valleys, and to the south to the

Gulf of California. It will be noted that high mesas,

or mountains, con:'1no the delta within rather definite

I irtii ts.

Del ta Formatj,on

In its natural condition, the Colorado River was one

of the largost silt-carrying streams in the world, its

slIt content beinc three times that of the Ganges, ten

times that of the Nile, and soventeen times that of the

MississippI, with D. total of some 140,OOO acre feet of

,".'

si.lt a year passing into tho delta. This quantity is
sufficient to cover 140,OOO acres to a depth of one foot,

oach yoar.

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