Bombay Beach, Salton Sea

By February 20, 2009California

Bombay Beach is a small community on the edge of the Salton Sea. When I say “on the edge”, I mean literally, to the point that the community is in danger of being flooded if the water level in the Salton Sea rises even just a few feet. In spite of the high dirt berm surrounding the homes in Bombay Beach, it is clear that flooding has been a problem in the past. One area in particular, which is outside the berm, has seen much better days. It looks like some kind of post-nuclear bad dream, with battered and fallen shacks and trailer homes wasting away in what looks like crusty salt and mud permafrost.

Bombay Beach, lies alongside and below the flood level of the Salton Sea, so that it floods occasionally when the Salton Sea rises.  A part of Bombay Beach is composed of derelict old trailer homes, shacks and wharfs, slowly sinking in the mud and salt, Imperial County, California

Bombay Beach, lies alongside and below the flood level of the Salton Sea, so that it floods occasionally when the Salton Sea rises. A part of Bombay Beach is composed of derelict old trailer homes, shacks and wharfs, slowly sinking in the mud and salt.
Image ID: 22488
Location: Salton Sea, Imperial County, California, USA

Bombay Beach, lies alongside and below the flood level of the Salton Sea, so that it floods occasionally when the Salton Sea rises.  A part of Bombay Beach is composed of derelict old trailer homes, shacks and wharfs, slowly sinking in the mud and salt, Imperial County, California

Bombay Beach, lies alongside and below the flood level of the Salton Sea, so that it floods occasionally when the Salton Sea rises. A part of Bombay Beach is composed of derelict old trailer homes, shacks and wharfs, slowly sinking in the mud and salt.
Image ID: 22493
Location: Salton Sea, Imperial County, California, USA

More photos of Bombay Beach and photos of the Salton Sea.

About Phil Colla

I am a natural history photographer. I enjoy making compelling images in the ocean, on land, and in the air. I have maintained the Natural History Photography blog since 2005 and my searchable Natural History Photography Library since 1997. Here are some tear sheets and behind the scenes views. Thanks for looking!