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Topock Marsh

The 4,000-acre Topock Marsh was created from a historical river meander in 1966 when the South Dike outlet structure was constructed. Presently, the marsh represents over 40% of the remaining backwaters of the Colorado River. The marsh serves as a critical resting place for migratory waterfowl and a home to resident songbirds, waterbirds, and other wildlife.

Water levels are manipulated through closing and opening the gates at the South Dike outlet structure. Levels are increased during the early spring to benefit the nesting southwestern willow flycatcher and then slowly drawn down over the fall to maximize the availability of submerged aquatic vegetation for waterbirds.