This image is being made available for educational and research purposes only, under the fair use clause of the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17 § 107 U.S.C.) Further questions regarding the image or its use may be directed to the California History and Genealogy Room, Fresno County Public Library, 2420 Mariposa St., Fresno, CA 93721-2285; (559) 488-3195, press #3, then #5.
Description
Annotation on the back of the photo tells how the Friant Dam will sit "right in the V" where the earth has been removed. During construction of the Dam, powder charges helped remove over 1.2 million cubic yards of loose material during foundation excavation. The annotation also tells us the structure in the foreground "is diversion channel where the river will soon flow". On two occasions, first in 1940 and again in 1941, Bureau of Reclamation's engineers diverted the San Joaquin River to place the dam's concrete. The river's course was first channeled through a 36-foot timber flume in July 1940 allowing workers to excavate and pour concrete. In the spring of 1941, with the foundation in place, engineers again moved the "river in a box" so concreting could continue.
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