The Gualala River, closed by a huge sandbar for months, finally opened this morning.

A friend called to say the Gualala River had opened this morning. Rick and I hurried down to see the action. It was low tide and the river was pouring through the opening with great force.

1. Sandbar has been breached by Jeanne Jackson (Large)

The sound was incredible too. Many people were on the Gualala Bluff Trail to watch this phenomenon, which is where I took these photos.

2. Waves in breach by jeanne Jackson (Large)

You can see the opening is a little wider, as the sandbar continues to crumble under the force of the river. Then we couldn't believe our eyes - a couple with a dog walked out on the sandbar.

3. Clueless couple with dog by jeanne Jackson (Large)

As we watched with great concern, the woman walked all the way to the edge of the breach to take photos.

4. A good day to be washed out to sea by Jeanne Jackson (Large)

Those of us watching yelled and gestured but the sound of the river was too great. Finally someone walked out and convinced them to back off a bit. Not smart...not smart at all!

Here is a photo of the breach thirty minutes later.

5. A half hour later by Jeanne Jackson (Large)

Young Steelhead, which were trapped in luxury during the summer and early autumn, were swept into the ocean. Once the river stabilizes, adult Steelhead will make their way into the river.

The wild Gualala River is a treasure beyond compare!

6 thoughts on “The Gualala River, closed by a huge sandbar for months, finally opened this morning.

  1. Suzanne Lindsey

    Stupid and sensational in one shot. Those people are so very lucky the sand did not give way.

    1. Jeanne Jackson

      Post author

      Suzanne, we were so very worried for them. At one point the woman threw her hands in the air and it was obvious how thrilling it was to be so close to this force of nature. She could have easily been swept away. We saw sand slipping into the torrent close to where she was standing. Yikes!

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  3. jackson22014

    Cathy, I wrote in my column that if this couple were cats, they just used up one of their lives.

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