Dominguez Channel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dominguez Channel |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Hawthorne, California |
| River mouth | Wilmington, Los Angeles, California, at East Basin, Port of Los Angeles |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | Dominguez Watershed 110 sq mi (280 km2) |
The Dominguez Channel is a 15.7-mile-long (25.3 km) river in southern Los Angeles County, California. It's called a perennial river because it flows all year round.
This river is at the heart of the Dominguez Watershed, which is a large area of about 110 square miles (280 km2). A watershed is like a big bowl where all the rain and water drain into one main river or channel. Most of this area (about 96%) is developed, meaning it has lots of homes and buildings.
Even though it's a flood control channel, the Dominguez Channel is also a home for wildlife and wildflowers. Near the ocean, the lower part of the channel becomes an estuary. This is where fresh river water mixes with salty ocean water. This special area has wet soil and natural banks, making it a great spot for migrating birds and native plants.
Where Does the Dominguez Channel Flow?
The Dominguez Channel starts in Hawthorne, just south of 116th Street. From there, it flows through several cities and areas in Los Angeles County. These include El Camino Village, Gardena, Alondra Park, El Camino College, Torrance, Harbor Gateway, and Carson.
Finally, the channel reaches Wilmington. It then empties into the East Basin of the Port of Los Angeles. This port is part of San Pedro Bay and connects to the big Pacific Ocean.
Along parts of the Dominguez Channel, there's a public bicycle path. This path is built on top of the river's banks, called levees. It has signs and native plants growing along it. You can find sections of this bike path in Hawthorne, El Camino Village, Gardena, and Carson. Some parts in Torrance are still being built. There's also a section that doesn't have a bike path because it goes through a private industrial area near the ocean.
Bridges Over the Channel
Many bridges cross over the Dominguez Channel from its start to its end. These bridges help people and vehicles get across the water. There are different kinds of bridges, including:
- Bridges for trains (railroad bridges)
- Bridges for public streets
- Private roads that go through industrial areas
- Bridges for big highways, like freeways and state routes
- Bridges that lead to parking lots, including one at a community college
There are many bridges in total, including 6 railroad bridges, 23 public streets, and several major highways like California State Route 1, Interstate 405, Interstate 110, and State Route 91.
