I don’t see a problem with that per se, with water being historically low due to drought.
I admit I am not an engineer. My bigger concern than with wildlife is how can they be sure those gates will open reliably when they need them to because a lot of flood borne debris is piling up against them...
As 98charlie stated, the gates are opened at the start of monsoon season (around the 4th of July), and closed at the end (around Labor Day).
These new double swing gates in the riverbed are particularly large - like you drive a truck through them. Whole trees might just pass through.
It will be interesting to see how this new design performs, but the improved road, improved clearance and that bridge will will make it easier to patrol. I believe they are getting grid powered lights, so all manner of technology could be powered as well.
Advantage, Border Patrol.
See reply #10