By: Margaret DeAngelis
Recent storms in Southern California have brought significant rainfall and caused the Mojave River to flow once again through Hinkley for a few days in mid February 2019. Many people stopped by along the Mojave River to see this rare event. The river flows mainly underground but it resurfaces every few years due to significant rainfall. The last significant rainfall occurred during winter 2010 and 2011.
This is indeed great news for everyone living here in the Mojave Desert. In January and February 2019, Hinkley received 4.35 inches of rain (per weather.com website). The desert landscape has come alive and looks greener than usual. Plants and animals appreciate it, and of course this event has tremendous impact on groundwater in the area. Mojave River is the main source of groundwater supply to Hinkley aquifer.
Mojave River Agency monitors how much water flows into the Mojave River and will provide updates as the recharge information becomes available.
This video of the river flowing was taken at the South end of Hinkley road on February 18, 2019.
For more information please refer to the article in The Daily Press dated February 20, 2019 written by Matthew Cabe.