Miles of Delta levees at risk of collapse in the next 25 years. Repairs could cost $3 billion

AS WINTER STORMS soaked California in early 2023, the Sacramento River swelled toward flood stage. Levees protecting large expanses of farmland and many towns sprung leaks. At one site, response crews drove metal sheets into the earthen berm and lined the levee face with heavy rock.

The work cost almost $700,000, paid by local farmers who had to take out a loan.