AGUA FRIA RIVER

River Levels Streamflow Hydrology
November 21, 2024

TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)

SUMMARY

Last Updated 2024-11-20
Discharge Volume 6 ACRE-FT
Streamflow 2.96 cfs
+0.38 cfs (+14.73%)
Percent of Normal 19.08%
Maximum 9,485.0 cfs
2023-03-22
Seasonal Avg 16 cfs

Total streamflow across the Agua Fria River was last observed at 3 cfs, and is expected to yield approximately 6 acre-ft of water today; about 19% of normal. River levels are low and may signify a drought. Average streamflow for this time of year is 16 cfs, with recent peaks last observed on 2023-03-22 when daily discharge volume was observed at 9,485 cfs.

Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the Agua Fria River Near Humboldt reporting a streamflow rate of 2.58 cfs. However, the streamgauge with the highest stage along the river is the Agua Fria River Near Mayer with a gauge stage of 2.62 ft. This river is monitored from 3 different streamgauging stations along the Agua Fria River, the highest being situated at an altitude of 4,381 ft, the Agua Fria River Near Humboldt.

The Agua Fria River is a tributary of the Gila River in Arizona that stretches for approximately 120 miles. Historically, the river was a vital source of water for the indigenous communities who lived along its banks. Today, the Agua Fria River is used primarily for agricultural purposes, including irrigation and grazing. There are several reservoirs and dams along the river, including the Horseshoe Dam and the Bartlett Dam. These structures help regulate the flow of the river and provide water for nearby communities. Recreational activities such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking are popular along the river, particularly in the Agua Fria National Monument, which is home to a diverse array of wildlife and plant species.

YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)

Streamflow Conditions
Streamgauge Streamflow Gauge Stage 24hr Change (%) % Normal Minimum (cfs) Maximum (cfs) Air Temp Elevation
Agua Fria River Near Humboldt
USGS 09512450
3 cfs 0.02 ft 14.73
Agua Fria River Near Mayer
USGS 09512500
0 cfs 2.62 ft 0
Agua Fria River Near Rock Springs
USGS 09512800
0 cfs 2.08 ft None
History of the River

The Agua Fria River is a 120-mile (190 km) long intermittent stream which flows generally south from 20 miles (32 km) east-northeast of Prescott in the U.S. state of Arizona. Prescott draws much of its municipal water supply from the upper Agua Fria drainage. The Agua Fria runs through the Agua Fria National Monument. The river then flows through a small canyon called "Black Canyon" into Lake Pleasant, a popular recreation area near Peoria, Arizona.
(There is a large "Black Canyon" on the Colorado River along the Arizona–Nevada border.)

During rainy weather and at times when water is flowing in the intermittent Agua Fria River, it discharges into the Gila River, which also only flows during wet periods of the year.
The Central Arizona Water Conservation District of the Central Arizona Project operates the Agua Fria Recharge Project, which is about 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the New Waddell Dam. It serves to recharge underground aquifers in this area, and ends at Lake Pleasant, Phoenix.

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Watershed River Levels

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