Home > North America > United States of America > California > San Diego
Sweetwater Dam, near San Diego, California, USA
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Sweetwater Dam, near San Diego, California, USA
Sweetwater Dam, near San Diego, California, USA. Showing the heaviest overflow in its history to that date. Date: circa 1900s
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 14251703
© Mary Evans / Pharcide
California Diego Engineering Overflow Reservoir Supply Utilities
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Sweetwater Dam Overflow: A Testament to Nature's Power and Human Perseverance in Early 20th Century California" This photograph, taken in the early 1900s, showcases the Sweetwater Dam near San Diego, California, USA, during its heaviest overflow in history. The image is a poignant reminder of the raw power of nature and the ingenuity of civil engineering during an era when water management was a critical challenge. The Sweetwater Dam, an essential water supply infrastructure project, was built in the late 1890s to address the growing water needs of San Diego and its surrounding communities. The dam, which stands at 121 feet tall and 1,214 feet long, was designed to store water from the Sweetwater River and its tributaries to ensure a consistent water supply for the region. However, as the photograph reveals, even the most robust infrastructure can be tested by Mother Nature. During heavy rainfall events, the dam's reservoir would fill to capacity, and the excess water would spill over the dam's spillway, creating a breathtaking yet potentially dangerous spectacle. In this photograph, the dam's spillway is inundated, with water cascading over the top and down the dam's face. The force of the water is evident in the frothy white waves and the turbulent currents that swirl around the dam's base. The surrounding landscape is transformed, with the Sweetwater River below appearing as a raging torrent. Despite the seemingly chaotic scene, the Sweetwater Dam and its spillway served their purpose, preventing the reservoir from overflowing and potentially causing catastrophic damage to the communities downstream. This photograph is a testament to the power of nature, the importance of water management, and the resilience of the early 20th-century American civil engineering spirit.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
