#1
The Salton Sea is believed to have been created between 1905 and 1907 when the Colorado River broke through diversion canals in the irrigation system in Imperial County.
#2
The New Liverpool Salt Works began operation in 1885, but there was a flood in 1905 due to an engineers mistake. The salt deposits, said to cover 1,000 acres at 15' thick, contributed to the salinity of the new ‘sea'.
#3
Back in the hay day, in 1927, Gus Eliers opened a resort. He was responsible for having the first Salton Sea boat races. He also provided a unique and new experience to people who wanted to discover how such a beautiful lake could exist in the middle of the desert.Â
#4
Unfortunately, the resort is now underwater and is known as the "Sunken City."
#5
30% of the Pelicans population is supported by the Salton Sea.
#6
Their are plans to restore the lake which will cost $9 million over the next 25 years. Exactly how this will be done continues to be a debate, but the goal is to improve the quality of water and habitat restoration.Â
#7
The lake is free to visit. However, you do have to pay to camp. People do not swim there.
#8
Without the dead fish, it really is a beautiful place.
#9
A boat race in 1940.
#10
Salton Sea is open to activities for people who are brave enough to go out there.
#11
People do fish there, but I am assuming that their fish will be extra salty.
#12
Instead of sand or dirt, there are fish bones so if you go have good shoes because those bones hurt!
#13
Parts of the old resort
#14
The most notable thing about the Salton Sea aside from its horrible smell are the hundreds of dead fish you will see.
#15
No one knows what the future holds for the Salton Sea or the people of Salton City. There has been talks of expanding city and cutting back the budget that is to be used on the Salton Sea restoration project. Obviously, both of those do not sit well with the general population and they are fighting hard for what they believe in. What's amazing is that every year the salt concentration increases by 1%. If you're ever in need of salt, you know where to go to get it for free.
