Palm Canyon Wash (Whitewater River tributary) facts for kids
Palm Canyon Wash is a special kind of stream found in Riverside County, California. It's often called an arroyo or a wash, which means it's a dry creek bed that only flows with water after heavy rains. This makes it an ephemeral stream, meaning it's not always wet. Palm Canyon Wash is a smaller stream that eventually flows into the larger Whitewater River.
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What is Palm Canyon Wash?
Palm Canyon Wash is a natural channel that carries water, mainly during and after storms. Because it's in a desert area, it's usually dry. When it does rain, the water rushes through, shaping the land. This type of stream is very common in dry regions like the Colorado Desert.
Where Does Palm Canyon Wash Start?
The journey of Palm Canyon Wash begins high up in the San Jacinto Mountains. Its source is at the very top of Bull Canyon, on the southwest side of a mountain ridge. This starting point is quite high, at about 6,165 feet (1,879 meters) above sea level.
Sometimes, the wash gets extra water from a place called Bull Canyon Spring. This spring is located at an elevation of about 5,331 feet (1,625 meters). It helps to feed the wash with water, even when there hasn't been much rain.
The Path of the Wash
From its source in Bull Canyon, the wash first flows southward. Then, it turns and heads north through a beautiful area known as Palm Canyon. As it continues its journey, it eventually turns east.
The wash travels through different elevations as it makes its way across the landscape. It passes through areas where other small creeks might join it, adding to its flow during wet times.
Where Does Palm Canyon Wash End?
Palm Canyon Wash finishes its long journey when it meets the Whitewater River. This meeting point, called a confluence, is at a lower elevation of about 322 feet (98 meters) above sea level. The water from Palm Canyon Wash then becomes part of the Whitewater River's flow.
