With an average surface area of 1,360 square km, it is the largest lake in California.
Yet, just a century ago, the lake didnt even exist.
The flood waters breached two dikes and formed two new rivers that quickly inundated the valley.
Intermittent flooding of the Imperial Valley by the Colorado river continued.
Eventually it led to the construction of Hoover Dam in the 1930s and the flooding finally stopped.
In 1950, the California Department of Fish and Game released thousands of fish into the Salton Sea.
A few species survived and Salton Sea quickly became a fishermans paradise.
With new fish to eat, the Sea also became a new stopover point for migratory birds.
Over 400 species have been documented at the Salton Sea.
Several multi-million dollar marinas and yacht clubs sprung up around the shoreline.
Golf courses began to appear everywhere.
Thousands showed up to watch the Salton Sea 500, a 500 mile powerboat endurance race.
Salton Seas economic boom however didnt last long.
Their rotting carcasses rimmed parts of the Sea for over ten years.
Combined with the decaying algae, the smell was overwhelming.
Perhaps the Salton Sea is destined to dry up just like a giant puddle in the pavement does.
The 1905 creation of the lake was just the latest natural cycle.
However, this time humans intervened and the ecosystem changed, perhaps forever.
Postcards of Salton Sea resorts during its heydays.Photos credit
