Sacramento daily record-union., 1881-07-11
THE DEBRIS DAMS.
[lIarysrilIe AppeaI, JuIY ath.


w. +. Knox, one of the State Drainage
Commissioners, and Colonel MendeIl, United
States Engineer, with several assistant en-
gineers, arrived in this city last evening
from San Francisco. Learning that it was
the intention OF the party to visit the de-
bris dam in the Yuba river, an Appeal
reporter applied to Mr. Knox for such in
formation as he might feel disposed to give
about the matter
Mr. Knox stated that Colonel Mendell
proposed to make thorough examination
of the dam ard of the river Immediately
below it and for several miles above, with
a view to determine what effect the struct-
ure has had in arresting the flow of debris,
and also what changes it has produced in
the bed of the liver, etc. The engineers
will be engaged for several days in re-
surveying the river, and by comparison
of their notes with those of the original
survey the changes caused by the dam can
be definitely ascertained. One OF the men
who was employed in the original survey
accompanies the party. Observations will
also be made to determine the extent of
the damage to the dam. Assistant State
Engineer Manson made survey of the
dam and portion Of the river above and
below, on foot, about two months ago. He
subsequently, made a written report which
has not been published. The report was
favorable. After the completion of the
survey about to be made of the Yuba dam
the surveying party will inspect the dam
in Bear river.
Mr.. Kuox stated that the Drainage Com
missioners had lost no confidence in tie
~ t..,a OF t,rt,ch 10 fhiplro +LoE
no intelligent man can doubt that dams
can be constructed that will hold back the
debris. It is only question of cost.
Even II hydraulic mining should cease, it
would be advisable to construct and main
tain system of dams to stop the flow Of
the debris already in the canyons and
rivers.
In regard TO the details Of construction
OF the debris dams, Mr.. Knox said it would
probably have been better to place the cut
trees directly upon the mattress Of brush.
Instead of that, the trees were placed at
the upper edge of the mattress. Had the
trees, or brush, been placed directly over
the mattress, he thinks the washing out
might not have occurred. He says 1t
should be borne in mind that the dams
constructed were simply experimental, and
formed but small part of the system that
the Commission had in mind.
AS regards the location of the Yuba dam,
Mr. Knox thinks it would be better situ-
ated were it farther down the river, where
there is a slower current. But for the
property interests to be considered, the
dam could have been located to better ad-
vantage mach farther down the river. One
OF the best natural situations for its loca-
tion would be near what is the site of the
city of Marysville. The idea of building
dams away up in the river canyons Mr..
Knox thinks wholly impracticable. As for
dams of sold masonry resting on the bed
rock, the cost of construction would be so
great that they are simply out of the ques-
tion.
Drainage Commissioner Searles was ex-
pected to arrive last night, and to accom-
pany the engineering party to the Yuba
dam this morning. Hamilton Smith, Jas.
O'Brien, +. Reardon and c. B. Hawley,
well known hydraulic mining men, were in
town last evening, and it was said that
they would accompany the party to the
dam to-day.