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<br /> <br />002822 <br /> <br />river above the weir. The natural ground east of the weir is lower than the present water surface <br />above the weir, hence the river could quite easily form a new channel and leave the weir high and <br />dry. The District has been extremely fortunate since 1945 in that there have been no flow condi- <br />tions upstream causing releases at Parker Dam greater than 26,000 second feet. <br /> <br />The present weir is extremely unstable and subject to failure at any time. This was demon- <br />strated on January 19, 1952, when, with a flow of only 20,000 second feet, a large section of the <br />weir was displaced and the river flowed through the opening so made. Prompt action in the plac- <br />ing of large quantities of new material into the break saved the weir from further damage and re- <br />established the temporary means of diversion. This happened at a time of low water requirements. <br />If this should happen during the peak of the irrigation season, April through August, the results <br />would be disastrous. Since the weir was constructed the Congress has appropriated $25,000 per year <br />for maintenance and repairs on the weir, and a stock pile of rock is kept in readiness at the quarry <br />for emergency use. <br /> <br />Thus it is emphasized that the time element is of particular importance in reaching an accep- <br />table solution of this problem and in providing a permanent means of diversion. <br /> <br /> <br />(photo by Ben Davis White) <br /> <br />Loading Palo Verde Valley Alfalfa <br /> <br />The valley has been producing top grades of alfalfa for over 40 <br />e rs. The. harvest season extends from March throu h November.. - <br />