![]() ![]() However, he said there’s a sediment load accumulated over several decades in Big Chico Creek, causing what he called “a straight shot” for water to the back of Five-Mile Dam. “It’s a great diversion system the Army Corps of Engineers built in the 1960s,” Gustafson said. From Lindo Channel, high flows can divert to Sycamore Creek just north of Hooker Oak Recreation Area, giving the city even greater protection against flooding by keeping high flows from moving through the center of the city. Five-Mile Dam has gates workers can raise and lower as needed based on the creek’s flows. Gustafson described the confluence of Big Chico Creek and Lindo Channel, and its associated flood-control system, to be an impressive accomplishment. “Rock dams aren’t terribly disruptive, but the bigger ones” - like the large one he mentioned - “can cause some problems.” However, Parks Department staff noticed what Gustafson called “a pretty significant one someone built, mixed in with logs, which was actually diverting water to Lindo Channel.” The dam was constructed east - upstream - of the concrete-lined area once hosting Five-Mile Pool. The notices ask creek visitors to refrain from building the dams, and they explain why building them is a bad idea, despite the temptation on hot days.Įrik Gustafson, the city’s public works director for operations and maintenance, said Wednesday, “I think people have built rock dams (in Big Chico Creek) for years” and that “when we get higher water flows, the water typically bursts through.” To educate the public, the city’s Public Works Department has placed several “sandwich”-style signs on the banks, with laminated notices attached. Because of the fact it is barely above the water line, this dam is not likely to restrict or divert the creek’s flow - but larger ones certainly could. An example, at lower right Wednesday, July 26, 2023, of a small rock dam someone constructed just east of the dam at Five-Mile Recreation Area at Big Chico Creek’s confluence with Lindo Channel, in Chico, California. Creating the dams also violates a provision in the municipal code. They just hope people will stop building them, for the sake of natural water flow and the upstream movement of fish and wildlife. This is evident with the dams distributed along the creek’s length in shallow water.Ĭhico officials really don’t care about people’s motivations, though. Whatever the reasons for building them, the dams almost always stay in place when their builders depart. Perhaps others have created them as small bridges, allowing travel across the creek when flows are low. Well worth it.CHICO - Many people who’ve spent time in Big Chico Creek over the years have undoubtedly participated in building rock dams, the rearrangement of stones to divert water and make small, protected pools for swimming. But I'm over 65 and have done it more than once. This is almost seven miles round trip, however, and not for those with weak quads. ![]() This mountain has a small spot of rock that is the actual peak and when you are standing there you really feel like you are on top of the world. The website says it will be open in May.Īnd if you have a day for a serous hike, farther up that road is Mitchell Peak which is just over 10,000 ft. It's a fire lookout that looks like something Disney would design, perched atop a pinnacle of granite. Farther down in Sequoia is Morro Rock, which is easy to access and is also most worth a visit.īetween Sequoia and Kings Canyon is an area of National Forest land, and if you go up the Big Meadow road you can go up to the Buck Rock lookout, which has some grand views of the high country. That trail ends at a fire lookout where you can sit and look out while enjoying your lunch. If you want to hike, take the ridge trail from there and you will get views both up to the high Sierra and down into the Central Valley. If you want some good views in SEKI, drive up behind the Grant Grove visitor center in Kings Canyon to Panoramic Point. While you will miss the Glacier Point view, you can also get a view from Olmsted Point, and, of course, Tunnel View. ![]()
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