Aerial images provide perspective on how the Ventura River responds to flood. The wide floodplain is typical of high sediment yield watersheds, featuring braided channels that shift with each major flood event. The flood of January 9, 2023 ripped out large areas of vegetation and "re-set" the floodplain. These images were taken shortly after the storm and are organized downstream to upstream.
Ventura River near Foster Park - flows overtopped the bank near the City of Ventura Nye Wells |
Flooding near Foster Park - several homes were damaged |
Ventura River downstream of Santa Ana Bridge |
Ventura River at Santa Ana Bridge - the bridge was recently replaced widening the river to accommodate high flows and future increased sediment transport with Matilija Dam removal |
Ventura River at Highway 150 bridge |
Ventura River above Highway 150 the Ventura River Preserve protects open space for recreation and natural floodplain management |
Ventura River upstream of Robles Diversion stream bank erosion exposed and broke the Matilija Conduit which supplies Casitas water to property owners upstream |
Photo published in the Ojai Valley News shows the extent of debris flows on Highway 33 - the Highway was closed indefinitely for repairs |
Damage to Highway 33 North Fork Matilija Creek - photo published by CalTrans |
(all photos courtesy Rich Reid rich@richreidphoto.com except where noted)