Santa Maria River (Arizona)

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Santa Maria River
Santa Maria River in the Arrastra Mountain Wilderness.jpg
Seasonal flows in the Arrastra wilderness
USA Arizona relief location map.svg
Red pog.svg
Location of the mouth of Santa Maria River in Arizona
Location
Country United States
State Arizona
Physical characteristics
Source 
  elevation2,640 feet (800 m)
Mouth  
  location
Alamo Lake
  elevation
1,240 feet (380 m)
Length50 miles (80 km)
Discharge 
  average11.59 cu ft/s (0.328 m3/s) [1]

The Santa Maria River is an intermittent stream located in western Arizona. It is a primary tributary of the Bill Williams River and one of the main sources of inflow for Alamo Lake. The river forms a portion of the boundary between Mohave and La Paz counties.

Contents

Course

The Santa Maria River is formed by the confluence of the Sycamore and Kirkland Creeks, about 10 miles (16 km) east of the community of Bagdad. From the confluence, the river flows in a generally southwesterly direction through the rugged Arrastra Mountain Wilderness area (Poachie RangeBlack Mountains). The river accepts a number of smaller, intermittent streams throughout its length.

The river joins the Big Sandy River to form the Bill Williams River just upstream of Alamo Lake. During periods of heavy rainfall, the lake may extend beyond the confluence point, during which period the Santa Maria empties directly into the lake rather than joining the Big Sandy River.

The total length of the river is approximately 50 miles (80 km), 17 miles (27 km) of which are considered perennial stream. [1] The remainder is ephemeral and runs only during periods of heavy rain.

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 "Annual Flows for USGC Streamgaging Stations in the Bill Williams Watershed" (PDF). Arizona Department of Water Resources. Retrieved 2008-05-27.

34°18′38″N113°31′35″W / 34.3105753°N 113.5263172°W / 34.3105753; -113.5263172