Delta Cross Channel

The diversion is controlled by two sluice gates that each measure 60 feet (18 m) by 30 feet (9.1 m) and weigh 243 tons and extend 243 feet (74 m) across the channel. The channel is 6,000 feet (1,800 m) long, has a bottom width of 210 feet (64 m), and was designed to divert a capacity of 3,500 cubic feet (99 m³) of water per second^[4] under normal conditions, but can divert up to 6,000 ft³ (170 m³) if required.^[1] The facility was built to augment the flow of the Sacramento River through the Delta to the Jones Pumping Plant.^[5] It ensures an adequate supply of water for the Jones Pumping Plant and irrigation supplies for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta while controlling ocean salinity.

The gates close when the river floods, specifically when the flow on the Sacramento River reaches 20,000 cubic feet (570 m³) per second,^[6] to prevent flooding on the San Joaquin River, and if the amount of water is so low that the Central Valley Project cannot deliver water. The gates also close during the winter to protect the fisheries in the Delta,^[6] specifically the salmon fishery.^[5] The winter closure of the facility was requested by a consortium of wildlife protection agencies, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.^[4] The gates are generally open during the summer months.^[6]