Hassayampa River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hassayampa River |
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Palm Lake at the Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve, near Wickenburg, Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | near Prescott, Arizona |
| River mouth | Gila River |
The Hassayampa River (in the Yavapai tongue: Hasaya:mvo or ʼHasayamcho:) is a special kind of river. It flows mostly underground for much of the year. Its journey starts just south of Prescott, Arizona. The river then flows mainly south towards Wickenburg. It finally joins the Gila River near Hassayampa.
Even though it's often hidden, the Hassayampa River has strong, steady flows above ground in certain areas. These include the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness and the Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve. The river is about 113 miles (182 km) long. Its watershed, which is the area of land that drains into the river, covers about 1,410 square miles (3,650 km²). Most of this area is desert.
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About the Hassayampa River
The Hassayampa River is known as an "intermittent" river. This means its water often flows beneath the surface of the ground. You might see a dry riverbed, but the water is still moving just below your feet! However, in some parts, the river flows above ground all year long. These areas are very important for local plants and animals.
Where the River Flows Freely
Two key places where the Hassayampa River always has water above ground are the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness and the Nature Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve. These spots are like oases in the desert. They provide vital water and shelter for many creatures.
The Legend of the Hassayampa
There's a fun local legend about the Hassayampa River. It says that anyone who drinks its water can never tell the truth again! It's a playful story that adds to the river's mystery. An old poem captures this idea:
- Those who drink its waters bright –
- Red man, white man, boor or knight,
- Girls or women, boys or men –
- Never tell the truth again
Home to Amazing Wildlife
The areas along the Hassayampa River are full of life. These special places are called riparian areas. They are like green ribbons winding through the desert. They provide a lush home for many of the desert's most amazing animals.
Why Riparian Areas are Important
In the Sonoran Desert, riparian areas help grow cottonwood-willow forests. These forests are very rare and important in North America. Sadly, about 90 percent of these wet landscapes have been lost or damaged over the last 100 years. This loss is a big problem for Arizona's wildlife. At least 80 percent of the state's animals rely on these river habitats to survive.
The Walnut Grove Dam Story
The Hassayampa River was the site of a sad event in 1890. This was when the Walnut Grove Dam broke. This disaster led to the loss of over 100 lives along the river. It was a very difficult time for the communities nearby.
