The Sand/Spill Gates at Magrath were an integral part of the operation of the irrigation canal. When river waters are diverted into a canal, they are slowed down significantly. This reduces the amount of sediment (sand and silt) that the stream can carry. Instead, the sediment collects in the bed of the canal early-on and must be periodically flushed from the system, or else the canal's water flow will be greatly reduced. This was the function of the structures at the Sand/Spill Gates; to periodically flush the sand/silt from the canal system which had a tendency to accumulate there. This fine sand was often used to make the durable concrete of the day.
Looking north from the canal, one can see the unnaturally straight course of the neighboring Pothole Creek. The river originally had a meandering course that came uncomfortably close to the bank of the newly constructed canal, and its heavy seasonal flow could result in a wide flood plain. To eliminate the threat of erosion to the newly constructed canal and to reduce the hazards posed by annual flooding, the bed of the river was straightened to run approximately north-south. A benefit of this early decision was that in later years, one of the oxbows left at the side was used to construct the popular Fish Pond and its associated campground area.
In looking at the photo facing north, one can see two prominent landmarks on the skyline (both now gone) of the early Town of Magrath—the Public School with its big bell; and to the left of this, the tower of the Assembly Hall, built about 1914.
Looking north from the canal, one can see the unnaturally straight course of the neighboring Pothole Creek. The river originally had a meandering course that came uncomfortably close to the bank of the newly constructed canal, and its heavy seasonal flow could result in a wide flood plain. To eliminate the threat of erosion to the newly constructed canal and to reduce the hazards posed by annual flooding, the bed of the river was straightened to run approximately north-south. A benefit of this early decision was that in later years, one of the oxbows left at the side was used to construct the popular Fish Pond and its associated campground area.
In looking at the photo facing north, one can see two prominent landmarks on the skyline (both now gone) of the early Town of Magrath—the Public School with its big bell; and to the left of this, the tower of the Assembly Hall, built about 1914.
Then and Now: A Collection of Photos of the Magrath Sand/Spill Gates
