ARIZONA FLOW REPORT

September 19 2024

Streamflow levels across Arizona are currently 86.0% of normal, with the Colorado River Above Diamond Creek Nr Peach Spring reporting the highest discharge in the state with 9880cfs and gauge stage of 48.09 ft. Meanwhile, the Little Colorado River Near Joseph City is seeing a spike in streamflows today after experiencing a 287.35% increase since yesterday, and currently running at 1960cfs.

Maximum gauge stage in the state was last observed at the South Gila Terminal Canal Wasteway Nr Yuma, currently reporting a stage of ft. The Gila River Below Coolidge Dam in the Middle Gila watershed is surging for this time of year at 462cfs, about 112.35% of normal.

Arizona is a state with arid to semi-arid climate conditions. Major surface flows include the Colorado and Gila Rivers, with the former having significant impacts on water supply and hydroelectricity generation. Reservoirs and dams, such as Lake Powell and Hoover Dam, play critical roles in water storage and management. The state's hydrology is primarily influenced by snowmelt from the Rocky Mountains and the monsoon season, which brings heavy rainfall to the region during the summer months. Watershed data indicates that the Salt and Verde Rivers are the primary sources of water for the Phoenix metropolitan area. Climate change is expected to exacerbate water scarcity issues in the region, with reduced snowpack and increased temperatures leading to higher evaporation rates and reduced water availability.