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O’Shaughnessy Dam Spillway, gates raised, July 10, 2010

Loyd over at Yosemiteblog.com shared a look into the past today. It included this photo taken on June 1st, 1948 by Charles Webber, courtesy of California Academy of Sciences.

O'Shaunessy Dam. Charles Webber © California Academy of Sciences

Notice that in the older picture, the towers look taller. That’s because the auxiliary containment gates aren’t raised. In my shot, the water level is actually higher! Also note the growth on the bank beyond the last tower.

Special thanks to Loyd Schutte for finding the 1948 image, and to California Academy of Sciences for allowing Fair Use of this historic image.

Updated to add:The Manzanita Project is a fine place to browse old-timey images of California. Give them a visit!