Upper Valley Water Shed Features

Roma Bluffs

The Roma Bluffs are a historic location as well as a beautiful scenic bluff made of sandstone that stands above the Rio Grande. The city of Roma borders the city of Miguel Aleman, Mexico. It's part of a historic district where the World Birding Center in Roma can be found. It is in this location we begin our journey of the watershed in the RGV.

High in the Roma Bluff Observation Deck, we can see the ever-changing Rio Grande and the effects it has on the banks of the river. It is here where we can sample how the constant but changeable force of water creates new terrain. This of course, depends on many factors including heavy rain, droughts, or the distribution of water from Falcon Dam which is located 20 miles upstream. At this point of the river, it is clear to see how the water may run shallow and clear or rise to several feet. It's this constant change of flow and force of water that may cause weathering and erosion to the area. 

Los Ebanos Ferry

At this location, we can see another example of a watershed feature. Depending on the force of the Rio Grande River, it can create a cut bank. This cut bank demonstrates how the river is constantly undergoing erosion caused by the force of the water. The cut bank is located on the outside of a stream bend, known as a meander, opposite the slip-off slope on the inside bend. This demonstrates how the river may rise to several feet and flood the surrounding area.