March 1938 LA River Flood: A Look Then and Now

March 2 marks the 80th anniversary of the 1938 flood of the Los Angeles River, an event that prompted the transformation of the river into a series of channels. Here's a look at the destruction of the floods and what it looks like today.

2 photos
1/2
This image was taken at the confluence of the LA River and the Central Branch of the Tujunga Wash. The flood washed away the Lankershim Blvd Bridge by Universal City. This photo was taken on the south side of the river looking towards the northeast.
Courtesy Canoga-Owensmouth Historical Society
This image was taken at the confluence of the LA River and the Central Branch of the Tujunga Wash. The flood washed away the Lankershim Blvd Bridge by Universal City. This photo was taken on the south side of the river looking towards the northeast.
2/2
Here is what that section of the LA River looks like today. The channel transitions from perpendicular walls to sloped concrete siding after receiving the Burbank Western Wash. Also note the “revitalized” portion of the river as you approach Victory Blvd (intersects the river in the lower left corner of the image). This picture was taken looking west.
KNBC-TV
Here is what that section of the LA River looks like today. The channel transitions from perpendicular walls to sloped concrete siding after receiving the Burbank Western Wash. Also note the “revitalized” portion of the river as you approach Victory Blvd (intersects the river in the lower left corner of the image). This picture was taken looking west.
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