San Carlos River (United States) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Carlos River |
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 33°27′07″N 110°11′23″W / 33.4519982°N 110.1898172°W |
| River mouth | 33°11′56″N 110°24′39″W / 33.1989481°N 110.4109296°W |
| Length | 30 miles (48 km) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Gila River |
The San Carlos River is a river in Arizona, United States. It flows for about 37 miles (60 km) and is a branch of the larger Gila River. This river helps drain a dry area of about 1,026 square miles (2,657 km²). Most of this area is inside the San Carlos Indian Reservation.
About the San Carlos River
The San Carlos River starts where two smaller streams, Ash Creek and Kidde Creek, meet. This spot is in the Natanes Mountains, which are part of the Gila Mountains. It begins at a high point, about 4,300 feet (1,300 meters) above sea level.
River's Journey
As the river flows west, it enters a deep canyon. This canyon is along the border between Gila County and Graham County. The Blue River joins it from the right side. After this, the San Carlos River flows into a small lake called Takalai Lake.
Below Takalai Lake, the valley gets wider. The river then turns south, passing by the towns of San Carlos and Peridot. Finally, it empties into the northern part of San Carlos Lake. San Carlos Lake is a large reservoir on the Gila River.
Water Flow and Importance
Most of the water in the San Carlos River comes from natural springs. These springs are found in the canyons above Takalai Lake. The San Carlos Apache people consider these springs to be very special and sacred.
Near Peridot, the river's average flow is about 54.2 cubic feet per second (1.53 cubic meters per second). On January 8, 1993, the river had a very high flow, reaching 54,800 cubic feet per second (1,550 cubic meters per second).
The upper parts of the river flow all year round. However, the lower parts often dry up in early summer. This happens because some of the water is used for irrigation to water crops.
