SOIL SUEVEY OF THE RED BLUFF AREA, CALIFORNIA. 17 



the Sacramento River and Thomas and Elder Creeks, and in the 

 vicinity of Corning, small amounts of water are supplied for irriga- 

 tion by several pumping plants. The soil types irrigated by means 

 of pumping are designated in their individual descriptions. Electric 

 power for pumping is available at low rates and the feasibility of the 

 system depends simply upon a question of the water suppl}'. 



The total development in irrigation above noted is considerable, but 

 in no way approximates the possibilities of the area. The Iron Can- 

 yon project has been much talked of. This is an enormous under- 

 taking, involving features of storage, river control, and irrigation. 

 All the drainage water of the upper Sacramento Basin flows through 

 the Iron Canyon, previously mentioned as being located a short dis- 

 tance above Red Bluff. It is described as a natural reservoir site, 

 and in conjunction with others of a similar nature farther north and 

 south can be used to store sufficient water for the irrigation of 

 2,000,000 acres. The reclamation of vast areas of overflow land 

 would follow the storage of flood waters. The immense benefit which 

 would result to all the valley is unquestioned. Its magnitude rather 

 than questions of feasibility is all that delays the undertaking. 



It is reported that Elder and Thomas Creeks have storage pos- 

 sibilities at various points along their upper courses. Their annual 

 flood discharge is enormous, and the development of lands with wafpr 

 drawn from such reservoirs is perfectly feasible. 



It is believed that a study of the soil type descriptions will reveal 

 their adaptations and possibilities under irrigation. The question of 

 success or failure of a project of course depends primarily upon the 

 character of the soils. 



The entire future of the Red Bluff area will be identified with irri- 

 gation. Practically all development must come through its further 

 extension. 



SOILS. 



The soils of the Red Bluff area were separated into 26 types. 

 Two additional types of no agricultural value were also outlined, 

 namely, Riverwash and Rough stony land. Certain of the former 

 types are related to each other in origin, in process of formation, and 

 topography, and are arranged in groups on a basis of these man}^ 

 resemblances. The boundaries between the types of the same series, 

 as well as between tj^pes of different series, are not at all times dis- 

 tinct, but similarities and differences are sufficiently marked to throw 

 the 26 types into nine broad divisions, each containing several types. 



Excepting the Rough stony land, the soils of the area are derived 

 in part from the original deposits of the Sacramento Valley, and in 

 part from ancient and modern alluvium of the streams that traverse 

 the region. The former consists broadly of two types of deposits. 



