Stockton, California — For the first time since its completion, Stockton’s new Smith Canal Gate was officially closed Monday as rising water levels, king tides, and recent storms prompted flood-control officials to activate the system to protect nearby neighborhoods.
The closure came after water levels reached 8 feet, triggering standard flood-prevention protocols, according to San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency Executive Director Darren Suen.
“It’s incredibly important to keep water off these levees so they don’t have to sit under pressure for long periods,” Suen said. “That reduces the risk of flooding and helps ensure people remain safe in their homes during these wet times.”
Gate designed to shield thousands of homes
The Smith Canal Gate functions as a 50-foot-wide barrier between the San Joaquin River and central Stockton, an area long considered vulnerable to flooding…