White River (Arizona) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River |
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 Location of the mouth of the White River in Arizona
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| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Navajo County, Gila County |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of White River's east and west forks Fort Apache, Navajo County 4,918 ft (1,499 m) 33°47′29″N 109°59′43″W / 33.79139°N 109.99528°W |
| River mouth | Salt River Confluence with Black River, Gila County 4,222 ft (1,287 m) 33°44′20″N 110°13′32″W / 33.73889°N 110.22556°W |
| Length | 16 mi (26 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 632 sq mi (1,640 km2) |
The White River is a river in Arizona, USA. It is about 16-mile (26 km) long. This river flows into the Salt River.
The White River starts when two smaller rivers, called forks, join together. These forks collect water from the White Mountains. The river begins in Navajo County and ends in Gila County. There, it meets the Black River to form the Salt River.
About the White River
The White River is located entirely within the Fort Apache Indian Reservation. This reservation is in the east-central part of Arizona. The river's main part flows generally southwest. It goes until it meets the Black River.
Where it Starts
The White River is formed by two main branches: the North Fork White River and the East Fork White River. These two branches meet near a place called Fort Apache.
- The North Fork is about 46 miles (74 km) long. It starts near the Mogollon Rim. It flows west through Apache County. Then it turns south through Navajo County to Fort Apache.
- The East Fork is about 26 miles (42 km) long. It flows west from near Mount Baldy in Apache County. It also meets the North Fork near Fort Apache.
How the River Got its Name
The river and its branches are named after the White Mountains. People believe the name "White Mountains" was used by Arizona's governor in 1871. The exact reason for the name "White Mountains" is not fully known. Long ago, people sometimes called this river the Sierra Blanca River in Spanish.
