Above-normal rainfall since Feb 2004 has resulted in high water levels. Buildings on the Gomez shoreline built in drier years were flooded.

What a difference a year makes! Early last year, the Gomez spillway was sun-baked, with lizards and birds scampering. On April 1, 2003, the Gomez reservoir recorded water at 71 percent of capacity; one year level, the water was nearly 115 percent of capacity.

this photo shows water from the Gomez spillway rushing into a large irrigation canal.

Photo montage showing water from the Gomez spillway sweeping down the irrigation canal, and threatening to wash away a normally sturdy bridge.