Water returns to the Colorado River delta

Mexican and American officials and residents gather at the Morelos Dam in Algodones, Mexico, to celebrate the release of water into the Colorado River delta. Water has not flowed steadily through the delta since the 1960s.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The water release, scheduled to last eight weeks, was designed to mimic a spring flood in the Colorado River.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The stretch of Colorado River near the Morelos Dam in Algodones, Mexico, was dry for decades. When the five-year revitalization program ends, officials will discuss whether to conduct another large release of water.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

The Morelos Dam, which was partly opened for the release of water, sits on the border between the U.S. and Mexico.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Water gushes into the Colorado River delta from the Morelos Dam.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

A Mexican policeman patrols a stretch of the Colorado River delta that was once dry.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)