What if I told you that this concrete structure before you is more than just a dam? This is the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam. It is a crucial piece of infrastructure in Glendale. It protects the city from the force of nature.
The Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam stands as a testament to engineering ingenuity. It also shows the city’s resilience. The Verdugo Wash itself is a 9.4-mile-long tributary. It flows into the Los Angeles River. The wash begins south of Interstate 210. It winds its way through Glendale.
Almost all of the Verdugo Wash is encased in concrete. There is one exception: the free-flowing stream within this dam. The Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam plays a vital role. It helps prevent flooding.
Let’s turn back the clock almost 90 years. Before the concrete, the Verdugo Wash was a natural creek. Pollywogs swam in its waters. Frogs croaked among the reeds. Sycamore trees lined its banks. Deer, coyotes, and even bears came here for a drink.
Then came the devastating flood of 1934. A monster rainstorm struck on New Year’s Day. Fourteen inches of rain fell in two days. The Angeles National Forest had recently burned. This made the situation worse. A wall of mud, boulders, and debris surged down the canyons. It crashed into La Crescenta and Montrose. Dozens died and hundreds of homes were destroyed. The floodwaters surged through the Verdugo Woodlands. Streets along East Glenoaks Boulevard were submerged.
In response, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stepped in. They developed a comprehensive flood-control plan. Aerial photographs of the debris flows helped them decide where to build flood control channels. The Verdugo Wash was encased in concrete. This is similar to the Arroyo Seco and LA River projects of that time.
The flood-control plan was designed to handle 50-year storm events. Such events occurred in 1934, 1938, and 1978. The 1978 storm came just 44 years after the 1934 flood.
Even in recent years, the Verdugo Wash has been tested. Major rainfall events followed the Station fire in 2009 and 2010. These storms damaged sub-drains and protective covers within the channel. Repairs were made to keep it functioning properly.
Today, the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam is more than just a flood control structure. A visioning project is underway. It aims to create a 9.4-mile-long linear park and nature trail. This path will provide access to neighborhoods throughout Glendale. The Verdugo Wash Visioning Project received $6 million in funding. This money came from Assembly member Laura Friedman in 2022.
Imagine walking and cycling along a beautiful trail. This trail connects the communities of Glendale. Imagine new public spaces for events and activities. Think about a restored local ecology. This is the vision for the future of the Verdugo Wash.
So, as you stand before the Verdugo Wash Debris Basin Dam, remember its history. Think about its role in protecting Glendale. Envision its future as a vibrant community space. This dam is a testament to our ability to learn from the past. We can build a better future.