Santa Maria River (Arizona)
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 Range–Black 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. The remainder is ephemeral and runs only during periods of heavy rain.
See also
References
- ^ "Annual Flows for USGC Streamgaging Stations in the Bill Williams Watershed" (PDF). Arizona Department of Water Resources. Retrieved 2008-05-27.