Yolo bypass
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Yolo bypass

Yolo bypass

Built in the 1930's, the Yolo Bypass (California) diverts the waters of the Sacramento River away from the city of Sacramento, and at the same time allows for extensive agriculture, provides habitat for migratory birds and fish. The area is also used for fishing, hunting and recreational activities.

Although originally conceived only to protect the city of Sacramento from floods (in the early 1930s), this large-scale (24,000 ha) flood diversion known as the Yolo Bypass provides a strong example of how the reconnection of large areas of floodplain can contribute to multi-objective benefits providing flood-risk reduction, promotion of floodplain ecosystems, and providing agricultural benefits, as well as recreational (e.g. fishing and hunting) and educational uses.

Fig.YoloBaypass_California_red
Yolo Bypass floodplain and view of downtown Sacramento, 2007 (California Department of Water Resources)

Modification date: 26 April 2023 | Publication date: 09 June 2021 | By: LD