k^V ..- ^^C t^- \ . ' y*Nn v*

Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic 

Characteristics of the Hassayampa River 

Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

B/John B. Fleming

Prepared in cooperation with the 

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT

Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5125

U.S. Department of the Interior 

U.S. Geological Survey
U.S. Department of the Interior

Gale A. Norton, Secretary

U.S. Geological Survey

P. Patrick Leahy, Acting Director

U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, Virginia: 2005

For sale by U.S. Geological Survey, Information Services 

Box 25286, Denver Federal Center 

Denver, CO 80225

For more information about the USGS and its products:

Telephone: 1-888-ASK-USGS

World Wide Web: http://www.usgs.gov/

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply 

endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Although this report is in the public domain, permission must be secured from the individual copyright owners to 

reproduce any copyrighted materials contained within this report.

Suggested citation:

Fleming, J.B., 2005, Reconnaissance study of the hydrologic characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon

Wilderness, Central Arizona, U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5125, 22 p.
Ill

Contents

Abstract................................................^

Introduction.................................................................................................... 

Purpose and Scope..............................................................................................................................!

Description of the Study Area ............................................................................................................1

Previous Investigations.......................................................................................................................^

Acknowledgments...............................................................................................................................^

Approach................................................................................................................ 

Ground Water .................................................................................................................................................4

Hydrogeologic Units.............................................................................................................................6

Wells ...............................................................................................................^

Springs....................................................................................................................................................?

Ground-Water Quality ..........................................................................................................................8

Surface Water.............................................. 

Stream Descriptions and Monitoring ................................................................................................8

Streamflow Characteristics ................................................................................................................8

Surface-Water Quality.......................................................................................................................16

Ground-Water/Surface-Water lnteraction..............................................................................................20

Considerations for Further Study ..............................................................................................................20

Summary.....................................................................^

References Cited..........................................................................................................................................21
IV

Figures

1. Map showing locations of study area, Hassayampa River Canyon 

Wilderness, U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations, 

the Maricopa County Flood Control District gaging station, and 

precipitation gages, central Arizona .........................................................................................2

2. Photographs taken from upstream to downstream locations in the

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona ..................................3

3. Map showing vegetation types in the Hassayampa River Canyon

Wilderness study area, central Arizona ...................................................................................5

4. Map showing the geology and locations for wells and springs, 

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, 

central Arizona..............................................................................................................................6

5. Map showing U.S. Geological Survey 2002 seepage-study measurement 

sites, Bureau of Land Management 2002 surface-water sampling site, 

and locations where photographs in figure 2 were taken in the 

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona ................................10

6. Graph showing mean monthly streamflow at Hassayampa River at

BoxDamsite, nearWickenburg, Ariz., 1946-82.....................................................................11

7. Graph showing daily mean streamflow at Hassayampa River at Box

Damsite, nearWickenburg, Ariz., 1946-82.............................................................................11

8. Graph showing mean monthly precipitation at gages in the Hassayampa

River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona.........................................................12

9. Graph showing annual peak streamflow at Hassayampa River at

Box Damsite near Wickenburg, Arizona, 1925-82 ................................................................13

10. Graph showing annual mean and annual median streamflow at 

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, 

Ariz., 1947-81...............................................................................................................................14

11. Graph showing annual mean and annual median streamflow at 

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, nearWickenburg, 

Ariz., 1947-81 ....................L.........................................................................................................17
Tables

1. Summary of drillers' logs for wells in the Hassayampa River Canyon

Wilderness study area, central Arizona ...................................................................................8

2. Water-quality data for wells and springs in the Hassayampa River

Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona .....................................................................9

3. U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations on the Hassayampa 

River in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, 

central Arizona..............................................................................................................................9

4. Precipitation gages in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness

study area, central Arizona.......................................................................................................12

5. Duration of mean daily flow, Hassayampa River at Box Damsite,

near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82.............................................................................................. 15

6. Magnitude and probability of high flow, Hassayampa River at

Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82.....................................................................15

7. Magnitude and probability of low flow, Hassayampa River at

Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82.....................................................................16

8. Streamflow, specific conductance, and temperature data for the 

seepage-study sites along the Hassayampa River, Hassayampa 

River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona, May 2002......................................17

9. Streamflow and selected field-measured water properties at 

Hassayampa River Box Damsite, near Wickenburg Ariz., measured 

by U.S. Geological Survey staff, August 1978 to August 1982.............................................18

10. Streamflow and field-measured water properties at Hassayampa 

River Box Damsite, near Wickenburg Ariz., measured by Bureau of 

Land Management staff, February 1992 to October 1995.....................................................18

11. Field-measured water properties and Streamflow data from the 

Bureau of Land Management for a site approximately 1.5 miles 

upstream from the Williams Ranch, Hassayampa River, 

central Arizona............................................................................................................................20
VI

Conversion Factors and Datum

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in.)

inch (in.)

foot (ft)

mile (mi)

yard (yd)

2.54

25.4

0.3048

1.609

0.9144

centimeter (cm)

millimeter (mm)

meter (m)

kilometer (km)

meter (m)

Area

acre

acre

acre

square foot (ft2)

square foot (ft2 )

square mile (mi2)

4,047

0.4047

0.004047

929.0

0.09290

2.590

square meter (m2)

hectare (ha)

square kilometer (km2)

square centimeter (cm2)

square meter (m2)

square kilometer (km2)

Volume

acre-foot (acre-ft) 0.001233 cubic hectometer (hm3)

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ftVs) 0.02832 cubic meter per second (m3/s)

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) may be converted to degrees Celsius (°C) as follows:

°C=(°F-32)/1.8

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to the National Geodetic Vertical Datum of 1929 

(NGVD 29) a geodetic datum derived from a general adjustment of the first-order level nets 

of both the United States and Canada, formerly called Sea Level Datum of 1929; horizontal 

coordinate information is referenced to the North American Datum of 1927 (NAD 27).

Altitude, as used in this report, refers to distance above or below NGVD 29.

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L) 

or micrograms per liter (ug/L). Specific conductance is given in microsiemens per centimeter at 

25 degrees Celsius 

(uS/cmat25°C).
VII

18

19

30

20

29

32

WELL-NUMBERING AND NAMING SYSTEM

WELL (B-09-04)05dda

R. 4W.

16

28

33

10

22

27

34

14

23

26

35

1

12

13

24

25

36

Quadrant B, Township 9 North, Range 4 West, section 5,160-acre tract d, 

40-acre tract d, 10-acre tract a

The well numbers used by the U.S. Geological Survey in Arizona are in accordance with the Bureau of Land 

Management's system of land subdivision. The land survey in Arizona is based on the Gila and Salt River Meridian 

and Base Line, which divide the State into four quadrants that are designated by capital letters A, B, C, and D in a 

counterclockwise direction, beginning in the northeast quarter. The first digit of a well number indicates the township, 

the second the range, and the third the section in which the well is situated. The lowercase letters a, b, c, and d after 

the section number indicate the well location within the section. The first letter denotes a particular 160-acre tract, 

the second the 40-acre tract, and the third the 10-acre tract. These letters also are assigned in a counterclockwise 

direction, beginning in the northeast quarter. If the location is known within the 10-acre tract, three lowercase letters 

are shown in the well number. Where more than one well is within a 10-acre tract, consecutive numbers beginning 

with 1 are added as suffixes. In the example shown, well number (B-09-04)05dda designates the well as being in the 

NEl/4, SEl/4, SEl/4, section 5, Township 9 North, and Range 4 West.

Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics 

of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, 

Central Arizona

£/John B. Fleming

Abstract

Hydrologic conditions in the newly created Hassayampa 

River Canyon Wilderness were characterized on the basis 

of existing hydrologic and geologic information and 

streamflow data collected in May 2002. The study results 

are intended to support the Bureau of Land Management's 

future water-resource management responsibilities including 

quantification of a Federal reserved water right within the 

wilderness. This report presents the study results, identifies 

data deficiencies, and describes specific approaches for 

consideration in future studies.

Within the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, 

the Hassayampa River flows generally from northeast to 

southwest, traversing about 13 miles through the wilderness.

Measurements of streamflow along the Hassayampa 

River indicate that the river likely is perennial in the furthest 

upstream reaches in the wilderness. Principle controls on 

streamflow along the river within the wilderness appear to be 

geology, the occurrence and distribution of alluvium, inflow 

at the northern boundary and tributary canyons, precipitation, 

and seasonal evaportanspiration demands. As of 2004, there 

was no consistent surface-water-quality monitoring program 

for the wilderness.

Ground-water recharge within the wilderness likely 

results from surface-water losses and direct infiltration of 

precipitation. Very little well development has occurred in the 

wilderness and surrounding area. No ground-water monitoring 

program has been in place for the wilderness or surrounding 

areas.

Introduction

The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness in central 

Arizona was designated as a preserve in 2000 (fig. 1) and 

is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

Information is needed to provide a basis for development of 

resource-management strategies. In 2002 the U.S. Geological 

Survey (USGS), in cooperation with the BLM, began a 

hydrologic characterization of the wilderness area. This study 

compiled information that can be used by the BLM to support 

future water-resource management responsibilities, including 

quantification of a Federal reserved water right, within the 

wilderness.

Purpose and Scope

The purpose of this report is to present existing 

hydrologic and geologic information, supplemented with new 

streamflow data, to describe surface-water and ground-water 

conditions in the wilderness area. The report describes the 

ground-water flow system and its interaction with streams 

within the wilderness and adjacent areas, and describes the 

surface-water flow regime. The study results will assist the 

BLM in the design and implementation of hydrologic and 

hydrogeologic data-collection programs as needed.

Description of the Study Area

The Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness is in the 

Mexican Highlands province, a transition zone between 

the Basin and Range and Colorado Plateau physiographic 

provinces (Fenneman, 1931) about 48 mi northwest of 

Phoenix, Ariz. It encompasses about 11,840 acres within the 

upper Hassayampa River watershed and includes 13 mi of 

perennial and intermittent reaches of the Hassayampa River 

that support riparian vegetation areas (fig. 2). The study area 

was extended beyond the wilderness boundaries to include 

information on the hydrologic and geologic factors in adjacent 

areas that affect hydrologic conditions within the wilderness.
2 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

EXPLANATION

095/5000

A U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY 

STREAMFLOW-GAGING 

STATION

MARICOPA COUNTY FLOOD 

CONTROL DISTRICT GAGING 

STATION (BOX DAMSITE)

PRECIPITATION GAGE

Hassayampa River 

at Wagoner Road,

f I//SA-' ~ i?W'~< ^&4&/,m<\

..

Hassay(infpa"Hiver 

at Box Damsite

34°05' 

34°00' 

Base from U.S. Geological Survey 

digital elevation model data. 

Universal Transverse Mercator 

Projection, Zone 12. Datum: NAD 27

Figure 1. Locations of study area, Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations, 

the Maricopa County Flood Control District gaging station, and precipitation gages, central Arizona.
Introduction 3

A. Looking downstream, May 24, 2002

B. Looking downstream, May 24, 2002

C. Looking upstream, May 24, 2002

D. Looking upstream, May 24, 2002

E. Looking downstream, March 21, 2002

F. Looking upstream, May 23, 2002

Figure 2. Photographs taken from upstream to downstream locations in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness 

study area, central Arizona. See figure 5 for locations of photographs.
4 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

The Hassayampa River generally flows from northeast to 

southwest traversing almost the entire length of the wilderness 

(fig. 1). The geology within the study area consists mainly of 

Precambrian granite but also includes a northwest-southeast 

trending unit of intrusive Tertiary basalts and tuffaceous rocks. 

Associated with this unit is a fault that bisects the northern 

part of the wilderness. Land-surface altitude within the 

wilderness ranges from 2,040 ft along the Hassayampa River 

near the southern boundary of the wilderness to about 4,360 ft 

in the hills in the northeastern part of the wilderness.

The semiarid climate in the wilderness is characterized 

by hot, relatively dry summers and mild winters. Average 

seasonal high temperatures measured in Wickenburg, Ariz., 

southwest of the wilderness, range from 39°C in the summer 

to 18°C in the winter (Western Regional Climate Center, 

Desert Research Institute, 2004). Precipitation predominantly 

occurs during two periods. Summer monsoonal rains, 

which generally occur from July through September, are 

characterized by often intense, isolated thunderstorms. Winter 

precipitation from December through March is predominantly 

rain but includes some snow. Average annual precipitation 

within the wilderness probably is less than 15 in. Precipitation 

amounts vary greatly with elevation; higher elevations 

generally receive greater amounts (Sellers and Hill, 1974).

The range of elevations within the wilderness provide 

favorable habitat for a wide variety of desert plants (fig. 3). 

These include several species of grasses, mesquite, palo verde, 

yucca, and cacti, such as prickly pear and saguaro. Vegetated 

areas along the Hassayampa River contain mixed grasses, 

shrubs, and trees.

Previous Investigations

Although no detailed geologic mapping specific to the 

wilderness has been conducted, geologic information about the 

area is included in a map produced by the Arizona Bureau of 

Mines (1958) for Yavapai County, Ariz. Additional geological 

information can be found in Richard and others (2000).

Sanger and Appel (1980) produced maps showing 

ground-water conditions in the Hassayampa area. That study 

area included what is now the Hassayampa River Canyon 

Wilderness. The report, however, included no data for wells 

or springs within the wilderness. Jenkins (1989) conducted 

a study that focused on a 4-mile perennial reach of the 

Hassayampa River south of Wickenburg, Ariz., in The Nature 

Conservancy's Hassayampa River Preserve.

Acknowledgments

Paul Summers and Jim Fogg (BLM, Denver, Colorado) 

and Lin Fehlman and Chris Horyza (BLM, Phoenix Field 

Office, Arizona) provided geographic information system 

covers, maps, and water-quality and streamflow data, as 

well as thoughtful and valuable comments on drafts of the 

manuscript. Kelly Ashton, Robert Fritzinger, and Fletcher 

Brinkerhoff, USGS, Tucson, Ariz., assisted with the data 

collection.

Approach

Information was compiled from the Arizona Geological 

Survey, the USGS National Water Information System 

(NWIS), the BLM Phoenix Field Office archives, and 

databases maintained by the Arizona Departments of 

Environmental Quality and Water Resources, the Western 

Regional Climate Center in Reno, Nevada, and the 

Arizona Game and Fish Department. Information included 

bibliographic data, hydrologic data, spatial data sets, paper 

maps, published reports, and other relevant documents.

A reconnaissance field trip was conducted in March 

2002 to develop a preliminary understanding of the physical 

setting. In May 2002, a seepage study was done during which 

streamflow, specific conductance, and temperature were 

measured at 12 sites along the Hassayampa River within the 

wilderness. Existing data were combined with these neAvly 

collected data to aid in the preliminary characterization of the 

ground-water and surface-water hydrology of the study area.

Ground Water

The main water-bearing unit within the wilderness is the 

stream-channel alluvium, which is bounded by outcrops of 

metamorphic and igneous rocks. Although no thickness data 

exist for the alluvial aquifer along the river channel within the 

wilderness, the distance between bedrock outcrops bisected 

by the channel, and evidence of high-volume scouring flows 

indicate that, in some areas, the cross-sectional area of the 

alluvium is probably less than a few hundred square feet. 

Recharge to the alluvial aquifer probably is from infiltration 

of surface water and precipitation. Decreases in streamflow 

discharge along the river in the wilderness indicate that surface 

water is being lost to the alluvial aquifer.
Ground Water 5

112°48'

34°07'30"

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness^

Base from U.S. Geological Survey 

digital elevation model data. 

Universal Transverse Mercator 

Projection, Zone 12. Datum: NAD 27

Vegetation data from Halvorson and others, 2001

5 MILES 

J

5 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION

VEGETATION TYPE

Sonoran paloverde/mixed cacti/mixed scrub

Intermediate chapparal/scrub live oak/pointleaf manzanita

Semidesert mixed grass/mixed scrub

Intermediate chapparal/mixed evergreen sclerophyll

Mixed pinon-juniper/mixed chapparal scrub 

Intermediate riparian/mixed riparian scrub 

Agriculture

Figure 3. Vegetation types in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona.
Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

A secondary aquifer could comprise the metamorphic and 

igneous rock units that transmit water as a result of secondary 

porosity related to fracturing. The main source of recharge for 

these units likely is local precipitation that infiltrates directly 

into permeable zones associated with fracturing and indirectly 

through overlying alluvium. Ground water within these zones 

likely discharges at springs in and near the wilderness.

Sanger and Appel (1980) produced a report showing 

maps of the ground-water conditions in the Hassayampa basin 

and surrounding areas in Yavapai and Maricopa Counties. 

Included in that report are elevations, depth to water, specific 

conductance, and fluoride concentrations for selected wells 

and springs. They considered the alluvial deposits to be 

the main water-bearing unit in the Hassayampa area and 

considered the crystalline and consolidated rock units to be 

water bearing to a lesser extent. Because of the lack of wells 

in the area, their report provides little detail with respect to 

the wilderness; however, they report that in the Wagoner area, 

which is north of the wilderness, most of the wells drilled in

the main water-bearing unit are near the Hassayampa River 

and yield a few gallons to several hundred gallons of water 

per minute. Drillers' logs show that the alluvial deposits 

range in thickness from 5 to 135 ft and are underlain by 

crystalline rocks.

Hydrogeologic Units

According to Richard and others (2000), geologic units 

in the study area range in age from about 1.8 billion years for 

Proterozoic metamorphic rocks to more recent (0.75 millionyear old) alluvial-fan deposits (fig. 4). Within the wilderness, 

the Hassaymapa River flows predominantly across granitic 

rocks that are lower to middle Proterozoic in age. Along one 

reach, however, the river cuts across volcanic rocks that are 

from middle Miocene to Oligocene in age (fig. IE). These 

metamorphic and volcanic rocks also occupy the headwater 

basins of the Hassayampa River and likely are the principal 

sources of alluvial deposits along the river.

112°35' Xmv "2-30'

34°10' 

34°05' 

Hassayampa River Canyon T

{B-09-04)33aaa,

(B-09-04)32dab~mL 

Tsv ..,:'-* » n

Qo i

Base from U.S. Geological Survey 

digital elevation model data, 

Universal Transverse Mercator 

Projection, Zone 12. Datum: NAD 27

Geology from Reynolds, 1988

5 KILOMETERS

Figure 4. The geology and locations for wells and springs, Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona. 

(Note: Individual symbols for wells may represent more than one well.)
Ground Water

EXPLANATION

GEOLOGY

IB-09-03)22cdd

 

IB-09-04)33aaa

Surficial deposits Alluvium in present-day valleys and piedmonts, eolian deposits, 

and local glacial deposits

Surficial deposits Alluvium in present-day valleys and piedmonts, eolian deposits, 

and local glacial deposits

Sedimentary rocks Units deposited during and after late Tertiary normal faulting, 

sedimentary parts of Bidahochi Formation, and the Bouse Formation; commonly 

capped by patches of Quaternary surficial deposits

Basaltic rocks Units such as the Hickey Formation, erupted after most mid-Tertiary 

volcanism and tectonism

Sedimentary rocks Deposited during mid-Tertiary erogenic activity in the Basin 

and Range Province and southwestern Transition Zone

Volcanic rocks Silicic to mafic flows and pyroclastic rocks; includes some subvolcanic intrusions

Granitoid rocks Generally metaluminous granite to diorite and subvolcanic 

porphyry

Granitoid rocks . .. . ' 

Granitoid rocks Granite, granodiorite, tonalite, quartz diorite, diorite, and gabbro; 

commonly foliated

Metamorphic rocks Undifferentiated metasedimentary, metavolcanic, and gneissic 

rocks

HOLOCENE TO MIDDLE PLIOCENE

PLIOCENETO MIDDLE MIOCENE

LATE TO MIDDLE MIOCENE

MIDDLE MIOCENETO OLIGOCENE

EARLY TERTIARY TO LATE CRETACEOUS

MIDDLE TO EARLY PROTEROZOIC

EARLY PROTEROZOIC

Metasedimentary rocks

Metavolcanic rocks

Fault

SPRING Tail on symbol is not intended to indicate direction of discharge. See table 2 for water-quality data

WELL U.S. Geological Survey Ground Water Site Inventory database. Well number shown for wells that have water-quality data 

(see table 2)

 WELL Arizona Department of Water Resources Wells 55 database. Well number shown for wells that have a driller's log 

(B-08-04}16adb (see table 2)

Figure 4. Continued.

Although no comprehensive, detailed geologic map 

exists for the wilderness, geologic data are available from the 

Geologic Map of Arizona (Richard and others, 2000), and the 

Geologic Map of Yavapai County, Arizona (Arizona Bureau of 

Mines, 1958). Richard and others (2000) show one significant 

northwest-trending fault within the wilderness. This fault 

crosses the river about 1.25 mi upstream from the Williams 

Ranch (fig. 4).

Wells

Data obtained from the ADWR and USGS databases for 

wells in the wilderness area include information on ownership, 

well construction, well use, well location, water levels, and 

drillers' logs. Of the 82 wells for which data were obtained, 

only 2 are within the boundaries of the wilderness (fig. 4).

These two wells appear to be associated with a group of wells 

that were developed to support mining activities near the 

northeastern boundary of the wilderness. The majority of the 

wells in the general area appear to be used for stock, domestic 

use, mining, and irrigation. None of the wells appear to be 

routinely monitored for water levels or water quality. Drillers' 

logs were available for only 2 of the 82 wells (table 1). These 

2 wells are west of the wilderness boundary.

Springs

Data obtained from the USGS Ground-Water Site 

Inventory (GWSI) database indicated two unnamed springs 

in the study area (fig. 4). One of these springs is within the 

wilderness boundary.
8 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

Table 1. Summary of drillers' logs for wells in the Hassayampa 

River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona

Depth 

from 

Well number (feet)

(B-09-04)05dda 0

20

(B-08-04)16adb 0

105

135

145

195

200

350

360

455

465

Depth 

to 

(feet)

20

317

105

135

145

195

200

350

360

455

465

505

Description of 

formation material

Sand, Boulders

Conglomerate

Decomposed granite

White granite

Brown schist, altered,

trace water

White granite

Brown granite, some water

White granite with quartz

Green schist, some water

White granite

Altered granite, water best

White granite, harder strata

Ground-Water Quality

Ground-water quality data were available for 5 of the 

82 wells identified within the study area (fig. 4) and for the 

2 springs that were identified in the study area. The groundwater quality data consist mainly of specific conductance 

and fluoride concentrations. For the five wells, specific 

conductance values ranged from 355 to 2,340 uS/cm, and 

fluoride concentrations ranged from less than 0.1 to 1 mg/L 

(table 2). Similar values of specific conductance and fluoride 

concentrations were reported for the two springs (table 2).

Surface Water

Stream Descriptions and Monitoring

Within the wilderness, the Hassayampa River flows 

generally from northeast to southwest traversing about 

13 mi. Brown and others (1978) compiled a map showing the 

locations of perennial reaches for rivers and their tributaries 

throughout Arizona. These data showed that no perennial river 

or tributary reaches existed within the wilderness. In addition,

more recent data complied by the Arizona Game and Fish 

Department (Valencia, and others, 1993) also showed that no 

perennial reaches existed within the wilderness.

Site visits were made in March and May of 2002 

following one of the driest winters on record. During the 

March 2002 site visit, streamflow was intermittent along 

reaches downstream from the Williams Ranch. Upstream from 

this point, however, streamflow was continuous.

Streamflow in the Hassayampa River near the wilderness 

has been monitored on an interrupted basis by the USGS at 

three streamflow-gaging stations (fig. 1 and table 3). The 

streamflow-gaging station Hassayampa River near Wagoner 

(09514500) is about 10 mi upstream from the northern 

boundary of the wilderness, and the streamflow-gaging 

station Hassayampa River at Walnut Grove, near Wagoner 

(09515000) is about 8 mi upstream from the northern 

boundary. The stream-flow gaging station Hassayampa River 

at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg (09515500) is about 7.6 mi 

downstream from the southern boundary of the wilderness. 

Data for the three stations are available online at 

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/az/nwis. More recent streamflow 

data for Hassayampa River at Box Damsite are available from 

the Flood Control District of Maricopa County (gage 5308) at 

http://www.fcd.maricopa.gov/.

Additional surface-water data were obtained from BLM 

surface-water monitoring records and from data collected by 

USGS staff during a seepage study in May 2002.

Streamflow and field properties were measured at 

six main-stem and tributary sites by BLM staff between 

September 1990 and April 1998. Five of these sites were 

well outside the study area and these data are not presented 

in this report. One site, about 1.5 mi upstream from the 

Williams Ranch is within the boundaries of the wilderness. 

Measurements at this site (fig. 5) were made on four dates 

between January 1997 and April 1997.

In May 2002, a seepage study was conducted to measure 

streamflow, specific conductance, and temperature along the 

Hassayampa River at 12 sites within the wilderness (fig. 5). 

During this study, almost the entire length of the river within 

the wilderness was traversed. Measurements were made using 

standard USGS procedures (Rantz and others, 1982; Wilde 

and Radtke, 1998).

Streamflow Characteristics

Within the study area, streamflow in the Hassayampa 

River varies by season. Snowmelt runoff and rainfall 

contribute to high streamflows during the winter and early 

spring, respectively. Streamflow is also high in late summer as 

a result of runoff from monsoonal storms. Streamflow is low 

in May, June, and July, and again in October and November 

(figs. 6 and 7) when precipitation typically is significantly less 

than at other times of the year.
Surface Water

Table 2. Water-quality data for wells and springs in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona

[H.S/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; mg/L, milligrams per liter; <, less than; N/A, not applicable]

Well or spring 

number

Altitude 

(feet)

Sampling 

date

Depth 

to water 

(feet)

Water level 

altitude 

(feet)

UTM 

Easting

UTM 

Northing

Specific 

conductance 

(uS/cm)

Fluoride 

(mg/L)

Wells

(B-08-04)09acc

(B-08-03)08abb

(B-08-03)05acd

(B-09-04)32dab

(B-09-04)33aaa

2,301

3,280

3,420

2,640

2,700

07-27-1998

09-06-1978

09-06-1978

02-24-1978

02-24-1978

0.62

12.9

230.8

332.7

393.6

2,300

3,267

3,189

2,307

2,306

3768330

3769358

3770278

3771879

3772588

344080

352971

353242

373703

345587

560

1,090

2,340

355

590

0.6

1

1

<.l

.2

Springs

(B-09-03)22cdd

(6-09-03)2 lcdb

2,910

3,150

09-06-1978

09-06-1978

NA

NA

NA

NA

3774147

3774390

356070

354306

454

440

.5

.7

Table 3. U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging stations on the Hassayampa River in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness 

study area, central Arizona

Station name

Hassayampa River near Wagoner

Hassayampa River at Walnut Grove, near Wagoner

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg1

Station number

09514500

09515000

09515500

Drainage area 

(square miles)

78

106

417

Period of record 

(water years)

1940-46

1912-15 

1917-18

1980-83

1938 

1946-82

'High flows have been monitored at this site by the Flood Control District of Maricopa County from November 1982 to present (2004).
10 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

112°40'

34°07'30" 

3<T05' 

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness

HR7

Base from U.S. Geological Survey 

digital elevation model data. 

Universal Transverse Mercator 

Projection, Zone 12. Datum: NAD 27 5 KILOMETERS

EXPLANATION 

HR 12^ U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY SEEPAGE-STUDY SITE

^7 BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT SURFACE-WATER SAMPLING SITE 

6 LOCATION WHERE PHOTOGRAPH IN FIGURE 2 WAS TAKEN

Figure 5. U.S. Geological Survey 2002 seepage-study measurement sites, Bureau of Land Management 2002 surface-water 

sampling site, and locations where photographs in figure 2 were taken in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, 

central Arizona.
(a

c -i CD3CD01CDta

 H

Offl

3DO 

O 

XaDO3

DAILY MEAN STREAMFLOW, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND MEAN MONTHLY STREAMFLOW, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

CDZ3 CTcJo

September

NovemberDecember

January

n en

3 

o

3

T3

DO O Xa

January

February

March

August

S> September

October

NovemberDecember

ooI oCD I
12 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

Precipitation records were obtained for five precipitation 

gages near the wilderness (figs. 1 and 8, table 4). Records for 

the gages located in Stanton, Ariz., and Wickenburg, Ariz., 

were obtained from the Western Regional Climate Center 

(2004). Records for the other three gages, Hassayampa River 

at Wagoner Road, O'Brien Gulch, and Hasayampa River at 

Box Damsite, were obtained from the Flood Control District 

of Maricopa County. Precipitation measured at O'Brien Gulch 

likely most closely reflects precipitation within the wilderness 

because of the proximity of the gage to the wilderness 

boundary. Precipitation measured at Hassayampa River at 

Wagoner Road and Stanton, Ariz., likely is greater then what 

would be measured in the wilderness because these gages are 

at higher altitudes. Precipitation measured at Hassayampa

River at Box Damsite and Wickenburg, Ariz., likely is less 

then what would be measured in the wilderness because these 

gages are at lower altitudes.

Monsoon rains, which typically occur between early 

July and mid-September, have a less pronounced effect on 

streamflow (figs. 6 and 7) than does precipitation during 

winter months. This occurs despite the fact that mean monthly 

precipitation tends to be higher during the months associated 

with the monsoon. During the winter months, diminished 

evapotranspiration demands and elevated antecedent soilmoisture conditions provide greater opportunity for runoff. 

Additionally, winter storms tend to be regional in extent, 

whereas summer storms tend to be localized.

STANTON

WAGONER ROAD 

O'BRIEN GULCH 

~] BOX CANYON 

n WICKENBURG

uu

ton

Figure 8. Mean monthly precipitation at gages in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona.

Table 4. Precipitation gages in the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona

Station name 

(number)

Stanton, Arizona (028184)

Hassayampa River at Wagoner Road (5350)

O'Brien Gulch (5320)

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite (5305)

Wickenburg, Arizona (029287)

Altitude 

(feet)

3,480

3,785

2,960

2,245

2,050

Latitude/longitude

34°10'00"/112°44'00"

34°18'37"/112°34'07"

34°06'12"/112°34'30"

34°02'42"/112°42'36"

33°59'00"/112°44'00"

Period of record

07-01-1948 to 12-31-1969

12-27- 1938 to 12-30-2003

05-27- 1988 to 12-30-2003

ll-27-1983to 12-30-2003

03-01 -1908 to 06-30-2004

Mean annual 

precipitation 

(inches)

15.36

12.00

12.62

8.47

11.81
Surface Water 13

Monsoonal storms tend to develop rapidly and can be 

quite intense, but tend to be rather short in duration. When 

significant storms occur, runoff and subsequent streamflow 

can be substantial. Depending on the intensity, duration, and 

areal extent of the storm, streamflow can increase rapidly. 

This is particularly true in areas where the alluvium is thin 

and depth to bedrock is shallow. Along the Hassayampa River 

within the wilderness, there are several reaches where the river 

canyon is relatively narrow, deeply incised, and the alluvium is 

quite thin or almost absent.

Daily, monthly, and annual streamflow data, and 

streamflow statistics for Hassayampa River at Box Damsite 

have been summarized in the annual Water Data Report for 

Arizona (for example: Smith and others, 1997). Pope and 

others (1998) computed statistical summaries of streamflow 

at USGS gaging stations in Arizona for the period of record 

through water year 1996, including the site Hassyampa 

River at Box Damsite. Data presented in this section are 

derived primarily from Pope and others (1998). High flows at 

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite may be higher than those 

in the wilderness because the streamflow measured at this 

station is derived from a larger drainage area. Streamflow data 

from the seepage study of May 2002 indicate that low flows 

are spatially variable; therefore, low flows at this streamflowgaging station will be somewhat different from those in the 

wilderness. In addition, small diversions for irrigation and 

mining above this station (Pope and others, 1998) may have

decreased streamflow discharges by different amounts over 

time. Streamflow statistics for the two stations, Hassayampa 

River at Walnut Grove, near Wagoner, Ariz. (09515500) and 

Hassayampa River near Wagoner, Ariz. (09514500) were not 

available for this study.

The highest measured streamflow discharge at 

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite between 1925 and 1982 

was 58,000 ftVs on September 5, 1970 (fig. 9). This flow has 

a recurrence interval of greater than 100 years. The maximum 

annual mean streamflow was in 1980 (170 ft3/s) and the 

minimum was in 1962 (1.22 ftVs; fig. 10).

The maximum and minimum mean monthly streamflows 

at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite occur in March 

(84.00 ftVs) and June (3.44 ft3/s), respectively (fig. 6). The 

maximum and minimum mean daily streamflows occur 

on August 29 (231.0 ftVs) and on October 11 (1.47 ftVs), 

respectively (fig. 7). Daily mean flow-duration data for this 

site indicate that for 50 percent of the time streamflow equaled 

or exceeded 1.9 ftVs (table 5). On the basis of the data for 

the period of record, there is a 50-percent chance that the 

highest average streamttow over a continuous 30-day interval 

during a 2-year period will be greater than or equal to 52 ft3/s 

(table 6). There is a 50-percent chance that the lowest average 

streamflow over a continuous 30-day interval during a 2-year 

period will be less than or equal to 1.1 ftVs (table 7).

60,000

55,000

§ 50,000

o

o

<£ 45,000

o

40,000

35,000 

u

g 30,000 

o

S 25,000

LU 

DC

k 20,000

LU

^ 15,000

< 10,000

5,000

0

0

s

.2

Io

ll..lll....ll.ll l.ll.l r- r- co

FigureS. Annual peak streamflow at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1925-82.
14 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

en

GO

cc

o

m

180

160

140

120

100

o

si 80

60

40

20

i

ANNUAL MEDIAN STREAMFLOW 

ANNUAL MEAN STREAMFLOW

15

00

oo

CC

10 a

CQ

=D 

O

CTJ 

Figure 10. Annual mean and annual median streamflow at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, 

Ariz., 1947-81.
Surface Water 15

Table 5. Duration of mean daily flow, Hassayampa River at 

Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82

[Data from Pope and others, 1998.]

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second, which was equaled or 

exceeded for the indicated percentage of time.

Streamflow

404

83

27

12

5.6

3.1

2.3

1.9

1.7

1.5

1.2

0.67

0.41

0.24

0.12

0.00

0.00

Percent of time

1

5

10

15

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

95

98

99

99.5

99.9

Table 6. Magnitude and probability of high flow, Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82

[Data from Pope and others, 1998]

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second, for indicated recurrence interval, in years, 

non-exceedance probability, in percent

Period 

(consecutive days)

1

3

7

15

30

60

90

2 years 

50 percent

598

271

142

83

52

32

24

5 years 

20 percent

2,010

975

540

335

208

124

93.

10 years 

10 percent

3,680

1,900

1,090

704

441

262

199

25 years 

4 percent

6,880

3,850

2,330

1,580

1,010

602

462

50 years 

2 percent

10,200

6,070

3,810

2,680

1,740

1,050

808

100 years 

1 percent

14,400

9,130

5,940

4,320

2,860

1,740

1,350
16 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona 

Table 7. Magnitude and probability of low flow, Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-82

[Data from Pope and others, 1998]

Streamflow, in cubic feet per second, for indicated recurrence interval, in years, 

non-exceedance probability, in percent

Period 

(consecutive days)

1

3

7

14

30

60

90

120

183

2 years 

50 percent

0.63

.69

.76

.88

1.1

1.3

1.6

1.8

2.5

5 years 

20 percent

0.28

.32

.36

.42

.55

.76

.81

.97

1.4

10 years 

10 percent

0.16

.19

.21

.25

.35

.52

.48

.67

1.0

20 years 

5 percent

0.08

.10

.11

.13

.20

.33

.29

.49

.84

50 years 

2 percent

0.00

.00

.00

.00

.00

.00

.15

.32

.67

100 years 

1 percent

0.00

.00

.00

.00

.00

.00

.09

.25

.58

Streamflow measured during a seepage study in 

May 2002 was spatially variable but generally decreased from 

site HR1 to site HR12 (fig. 11 and table 8). During the seepage 

study, the river did not flow beyond HR12. It is assumed 

that the Streamflow data represent ground-water discharge 

(base flow) because measurements were made following an 

unusually dry winter and spring.

Surface-Water Quality

Surface-water quality data for sites within and near the 

wilderness were obtained from USGS NWIS records, BLM 

records, and from measurements made during the seepage 

study in May 2002. USGS NWIS records contain streamproperty and chemical-constituent data compiled from 

13 sampling dates between August 1978 and August 1982 at 

Hassayampa River at Box Damsite (table 9). Data supplied 

by BLM staff consist of stream-property values obtained from 

48 sampling dates between February 1992 and October 1995 

at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite (table 10). BLM staff 

also provided data from 4 sampling dates between January 

1997 and April 1997 at a site about 1.5 mi upstream from the 

Williams Ranch (table 11). Data from the seepage study in 

May 2002 include specific conductance and temperature from 

12 sampling locations along the Hassayampa River within the 

wilderness (table 8).

The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality 

(ADEQ) assigns specific designated uses to reaches of major 

streams in Arizona (State of Arizona, 1996). Within the 

wilderness, designated uses for Hassayampa River waters are:

full-body contact, aquatic and wildlife (warm water fishery), 

fish consumption, agricultural irrigation, and agricultural 

livestock watering. For ephemeral tributaries, aquatic and 

wildlife (ephemeral water fishery) and partial-body contact 

designations apply. For intermittent tributaries, aquatic and 

wildlife (warm water fishery), full-body contact, and fish 

consumption designations apply. Water-quality standards 

for each stream property (for example: pH, turbidity, and 

dissolved-oxygen concentration) and certain chemical 

constituents vary by designated use.

Average pH and specific conductance values for samples 

obtained at Hassayampa River at Box Canyon between August 

1978 and August 1982 were 7.8 and 564 |iS/cm, respectively. 

For samples obtained between February 1992 and October 

1995, the average pH and specific conductance were 8.3 and 

492 |iS/cm, respectively. Cation concentrations for a single 

sample collected in August 1978 were 63, 19, 3.9, and 

34 mg/L for calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, 

respectively. Average values for pH and specific conductance 

obtained from sampling dates at the site about 1.5 mi upstream 

from the Williams Ranch were 8.5 and 428, respectively.

The specific-conductance values obtained from 

USGS and BLM surface-water quality sampling records are 

consistent with those obtained during the May 2002 seepage 

study (tables 8-11). Average values of stream properties 

obtained from all these available sampling records did not 

exceed the State of Arizona water-quality standards for aquatic 

and wildlife (warm water fishery) use. Although limited in 

nature, these data do not evince the existence of specific waterquality issues.
Surface Water 17

DISTANCE FROM HR 1, IN MILES

Figure 11. Annual mean and annual median streamflowat Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 1947-81.

Table 8. Streamflow, specific conductance, and temperature data for the seepage-study sites along the Hassayampa River, 

Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness study area, central Arizona, May 2002

[t'tVs, cubic feet per second; (iS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius; , not reported]

Site name

HR1

HR2

HR3

HR4

HR5

HR6

HR7

HR8

HR9

HR10

HR11

HR12

Latitude/longitude

34°08'35"/112°32'00"

34°07'57"/112°32'10"

34°07'i7"/112°32'50"

34°07'04"/112°33'35"

34°06 > 46"/112°34'02"

340 06'31"/112°34'25"

34°06'49"/112°34'46"

34°06'46"/112°35'27"

34°06'24"/112°35'54"

34°06'OT7112°36 > 24"

34°05'19"/112°36'49"

34°04'57"/112°37'24"

Streamflow

(fWs)

1.070

0.830

0.432

0.690

0.110

0.037

0.429

0.281

0.091

0.087

0.108

0.068

Specific conductance 

(uS/cmat25°C)

463

472

487

494

...

526

525

515

480

424

496

532

Temperature

(°C)

26.3

24.1

21.8

23.1

18.1

21.6

23.3

28.5

28.4

21.0

19.0
18 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

Table 9. Streamflow and selected field-measured water properties at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., 

measured by U.S. Geological Survey staff, August 1978 to August 1982

[ft3/s, cubic feet per second; uS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius; mg/L, milligrams per liter; , not reported]

Date

08-16-1978

11-19-1980

01-21-1981

03-10-1981

05-19-1981

07-01-1981

09-01-1981

10-29-1981

12-29-1981

02-26-1982

04-20-1982

06-28-0982

08-31-1982

Streamflow

(ftVs)

1.6

8.1

11.0

25.0

2.7

2.0

1.4

2.8

5.5

41.0

26.0

3.0

3.0

Specific 

conductance 

(|iS/cm at 25°C)

580

538

590

528

589

594

608

620

594

512

546

582

447

pH

7.9

8.7

8.8

8.4

8.0

8.3

:8.0

7.7

8.0

7.0

8.4

8.4

8.2

Air/water 

temperature

(°C)

 / 28.0

 / 18.0

 /15.5

 /18.0

 / 20.5

 -7.27.0

 /26.0

19.0/20.0

9.0/13.5

15.5/16.5

26.0/24.0

33.0/27.0

33.5/28.0

Dissolved oxygen 

(mg/L)

9.8

8.3

8.4

7.4

8.6

8.2

9.3

6.6

7.6

7.4

Table 10. Streamflow and field-measured water properties at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., measured 

by Bureau of Land Management staff, February 1992 to October 1995

[ftVs, cubic feet per second; uS/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; ppm, 

parts per million; , not reported; e, estimated]

Date

02-12-1992

02-28-1992

03-19-1992

03-30-1992

04-02-1992

04-15-1992

05-06-1992

05-19-1992

06-03-1992

06-11-1992

07-07-1992

07-17-1992

08-11-1992

09-08-1992

10-05-1992.

10-28-1992

Discharge

(ftVs)

120.40

23.70

92.10

157.00

215.40

39.50

18.50

6.50

12.10

3.50

2.00

1.80

3.50

2.10

2.00

1.80

Specific 

conductance 

(pS/cm)

310

430

410

380

360

470

460

460

520

510

490

490

490

490

470

470

pH

8.6

8.6

8.2

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.5

8.4

8.6

8.1

8.2

8.4

8.4

8.3

8.5

8.4

Air/water 

temperature

(°C)

14.0/13.0

11.0/13.2

10.5/13.5

17.0/18.0

14.0/16.5

21.0/22.5

27.0/26.5

28.0/23.5

31.0/30.0

27.0/25.0

26.0/23.0

26.0/25.0

31.5/27.0

25.0/25.5

26.0/20.5

24.0/21.5

Turbidity 

(NTU)

v. cloud

clear

clear

clear

cloudy

clear

clear

clear

si. cloud

clear

clear

clear

Dissolved 

oxygen 

(mg/L)

9.9

7.6

7.9

7.9

Dissolved 

oxygen 

(percent 

saturation)

102

101

104

98

Dissolved 

solids 

(ppm)

200

280

270

250

240

310

300

300

290

280

330

330

330

330

320

320
Surface Water 19

Table 10. Streamflow and field-measured water properties at Hassayampa River at Box Damsite, central Arizona, measured by 

Bureau of Land Management staff, February 1992 to October 1995 Continued

Date

11-20-1992

12-09-1992

01-04-1993

01-22-1993

01-27-1993

02-12-1993

02-24-1993

03-15-1993

03-25-1993

04-22-1993

05-05-1993

05-18-1993

06-18-1993

07-12-1993

08-26-1993

09-08-1993

10-13-1993

11-09-1993

12-16-1993

02-15-1994

03-04-1994

04-08-1994

05-16-1994

06-06-1994

07-29-1994

08-18-1994

10-03-1994

11-02-1994

01-24-1995

04-25-1995

06-20-1995

10-10-1995

Streamflow

(tf/s)

1.70

1.90

9.00

e650

195.00

e550

e450

195.00

121.20

65.00

38.54

37.40

6.29

2.95

2.14

5.02

7.08

5.70

8.52

13.27

9.20

7.20

2.78

2.14

1.52

1.68

1.57

1.65

11.29

48.87

3.93

1.46

Specific 

conductance 

(pS/cm)

490

470

460

250

310

260

300

460

490

530

560

550

550

550

580

570

550

540

490

520

510

560

590

590

690

640

670

640

490

510

500

520

pH

8.2

8.7

8.3

8.1

8.2

8.2

8.3

8.4

8.4

8.2

8.4

8.5

8.6

8.3

8.5

8.5

8.5

8.2

. 8.3

8.3

8.4

8.5

8.3

8.3 '

8.2

7.9

8.2

8.1

8.3

8.3

8.3

8.5

Air/water 

temperature

(°C)

16.0/15.0

13.0/16.5

7.5/9.5

19.5/11.0

21.0/13.0

15.5/11.0

 12.5/9.5

19.0/15.0

19.0/16.0

28.0/22.5

21.0/21.0

24.5/22.5

27.5/22.0

28.0/27.0

25.0/25.0

28.0/24.0

25.0/21.0

19.0/17.0

14.5/12.0

16.5/12.5

12.5/15.0

23.0/20.5

23.0/21.0

28.0/22.5

30.0/25.0

30:5/23.5

26.0/22.0

18.5/20.0

17.0/14.0

23.5/23.5

28.0/26.5

30.0/27.0

Turbidity 

(NTU)

clear

clear

8.05

298

118

405

400

98.6

71.8

12.7

6.7

6.91

1.82

2.27

1.7

3.38

10.5

2.91

2.3

3.13

3.35

.73

.89

.37

1.28

3.14

5.06

1.87

Dissolved 

oxygen 

(mg/L)

9.2

8.6

7.9

7.9

7.9

8.9

9.3

9.3

9.5

7.0

7.3

8.1

8.4

8.0

9.1

10.0

8.6

8.2

6.0

7.8

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.6

7.8

'7.1?

7.4

Dissolved 

oxygen Dissolved 

(percent solids 

saturation) (ppm)

99 340

96 320

75 310

78 170

81 210

170

200

310

320

350

370

360

360

360

380

380

360

360

320

340

340

370

390

390

460

420

440

420

320

340

330

340

'Value was marked with a "?" by the Bureau of Land Management.
20 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

Table 11. Field-measured water properties and streamflow data from the Bureau of Land Management for a site approximately 

1.5 miles upstream from the Williams Ranch, Hassayampa River, central Arizona.

[(j,S/cm, microsiemens per centimeter; °C, degrees Celsius; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; mg/L, milligrams per liter; ppm, parts per million; ft3 /s, cubic 

feet per second; , not reported]

Date

01/09/97

02/25/97

03/27/97

04/14/97

Time

1400

1200

1400

1100

Specific

conductance

(uS/cm)

430

420

430

430

pH

8.6

8.5

8.4

8.4

Air/water

temperature

(°C)

13.0/14.0

4.0/8.5

22.0/22.0

22.0/20.0

Turbidity

NTU

1.32

1.07

.82

Dissolved 

oxygen Dissolved

Dissolved (percent solids

(mg/L) saturation) (ppm)

280

280

280

280

Streamflow

(ftYs)

3.28

5.11

3.22

5.48

Ground-Water/Surface-Water 

Interaction

The duration and magnitude of streamflow within the 

wilderness are influenced by streamflow at the northern 

boundary of the wilderness, tributary inflows within the 

wilderness, hydraulic connection with the subsurface waterbearing zones, precipitation, and vegetation. On the basis 

of field observations, inflows to the river from tributaries 

are ephemeral, and the frequency and magnitude of these 

flows likely reflect the seasonal distribution of precipitation. 

The degree of bedrock fracturing and the occurrence and 

distribution of alluvium within the river canyon influence the 

efficacy of hydraulic connection with subsurface water-bearing 

zones. Tributary discharge to the river and recharge to the 

subsurface occur as concentrated runoff and direct infiltration 

of precipitation. The amount of recharge represents some 

fraction of annual precipitation.

Inflows to the wilderness include streamflow and groundwater inflow at the northern boundary, ephemeral streamflow 

from tributary canyons in response to precipitation, and 

underflow from alluvium in tributary canyons. Outflows 

from the wilderness include streamflow and ground-water 

underflow at the southern boundary, ground-water pumpage, 

and evapotranspiration from riparian vegetation.

Field observations of the Hassayampa River canyon 

in the wilderness indicate that the river is most likely to 

be perennial where bedrock is at shallow depths below the 

river or constricts the canyon, because streamflow losses 

to infiltration in these areas are small. This tendency is 

moderated by the presence of riparian vegetation, which could 

reduce streamflow when evaportanspiration rates are high. 

The extent to which surface-water diversions or ground-water 

pumping influences surface-water flow is unknown. This is 

especially true in areas where mining activities continue.

Alluvial deposits within the river channel vary in 

composition and are discontinuous (fig. 2). In areas where 

streamflow tends to diminish or cease altogether, sediments 

generally are highly permeable, well sorted, angular to 

subangular, medium- to coarse-grained sand. The sediments 

appear to have derived from the surrounding outcrops, but 

much of the material could have been transported from sources 

upstream.

On the basis of observed flow during and following one 

of the driest years on record, only the most upstream portion 

of the river within the wilderness (closest to the northern 

boundary) appears to be perennial, and downstream reaches 

appear to be intermittent. There are numerous wells along 

the river in the northern part of the wilderness. Well records 

obtained from the ADWR Wells 55 database indicate that 

these wells were developed for mining interests, however, 

no information is contained in these records regarding water 

levels, and their effects on streamflow are unknown. Flow 

duration in downstream reaches likely is controlled by 

precipitation within the drainage area and by the lithology 

of surface and subsurface rocks in the drainage area, the 

geometry of the river channel, and the thickness of alluvial 

sediments underlying and adjacent to the channel. During 

a site visit in May 2002, streamflow was continuous from a 

point about 1 mi downstream from the northern boundary 

of the wilderness to a point about 0.5 mi upstream from the 

southern boundary. Downstream from this point, streamflow 

was absent.

Considerations for Further Study

As of 2004, available data provide a general overview 

of hydrologic conditions within the wilderness. The likely 

influence of surface-water/ground-water interactions on 

variations in surface-water conditions along the Hassayampa
References Cited 21

River within the wilderness suggest the need for additional 

study to better describe the hydrogeology of the area. No 

active studies that involve hydrologic data collection within 

the wilderness were identified. Development of programs for 

collection of geologic, surface-water, ground-water, and waterquality data would benefit the BLM efforts to manage the 

water resources in the wilderness.

The streamflow-gaging station Hassayampa River at Box 

Damsite, near Wickenburg, Ariz., has been operated by the 

Flood Control District of Maricopa County since November 

1983. It provided measurements of streamflow in the 

Hassayampa River at a point about 7.6 mi downstream from 

the southern boundary of the wilderness. The streamflowgaging station Hassayampa River at Wagoner Road is about 

10 mi upstream from the northern boundary of the wilderness 

and is also operated by the Flood Control District of Maricopa 

County. Gaging stations closer to the boundaries of the 

wilderness would enable a more accurate assessment of the 

surface-water inflows and outflows.

Additional streamflow measurements taken over a period 

of several years and including periods when evaportanspiration 

rates are at or near yearly mini mums and maximums to 

observe variability would aid in quantifying water losses due 

to evaportanspiration. These measurements could also be 

used to help identify possible geologic controls that affect 

streamflow and losses to other sinks such as ground-water 

pumping.

A synoptic well and spring inventory could be used 

to gain a better understanding of the current ground-water 

conditions in the wilderness area. Data obtained from such 

an effort could include not only an inventory of wells and 

springs, but water levels, water-quality information, and 

spring discharge. These data could provide useful baseline 

information for establishing a Federal Reserve water right for 

the wilderness.

Installation and monitoring of piezometers would 

provide information about vertical and horizontal head 

gradients adjacent to and beneath the Hassayampa River. 

This information would further aid in identifying areas of 

streamflow gains and losses. Monitoring changes in groundwater levels could also provide information on consumptive 

transpiration demands along selected reaches of the river. 

Additional water samples could be collected from the 

piezometers in these transects and analyzed for chemical 

characteristics.

Surface geophysical surveys could be used to determine 

the geometry of the alluvial aquifer to better characterize the 

important geologic controls affecting surface-water/groundwater interactions. Possible geophysical survey methods 

include seismic refraction, direct-current electrical resistivity, 

or electromagnetic induction (time-domain or frequencydomain). Results from these surveys could also be used 

to estimate the amount of ground-water flow through the 

study area.

Summary

Compilation of existing hydrologic data and surfacewater data collected during a seepage study in May 2002 were 

used to aid in characterizing the hydrology of the Hassayampa 

River Canyon Wilderness. This information will be used by 

the BLM to help support future water-resource management 

responsibilities, including quantification of a Federal reserved 

water right within the wilderness, and to guide potential future 

data-collection programs.

As of 2004, few hydrologic and hydrogeologic data were 

available for the wilderness. Measurements of streamflow and 

specific conductance were made along the Hassayampa River 

within the wilderness in May 2002. The data indicate that 

streamflow generally decreases in the downstream direction as. 

water infiltrates the streambed.

Surface-water quality data collected by the BLM and 

USGS showed no values that exceeded State of Arizona 

standards. Few data are available, however, for wells and 

springs in the wilderness.

Additional data collection and analysis would increase 

the understanding of hydrologic processes within the 

wilderness. This could include the construction and operation 

of a streamflow-gaging station(s) near the northern and 

southern boundaries of the wilderness, a synoptic well and 

spring inventory, additional surface-water data collection, 

installation and monitoring of piezometers, and surface 

geophysical surveys.

References Cited

Arizona Bureau of Mines, 1958, Geologic Map of Yavapai 

County, Arizona, scale 1:375,000.

Brown, D.E., N.B. Carmony, and R.M. Turner, 1978, Drainage 

map of Arizona showing perennial streams and some \ 

important wetlands. Arizona Game and Fish Department, 

2 sheets.

Fenneman, N.M., 1931, Physiography of the Western United 

States: New York, McGraw-Hill, 534 p.

Halvorson, W.L., Thomas, K., and Graham, L., 2001, Arizona 

technical report, the Arizona GAP project final report: 

Tucson, U.S. Geological Survey Sonoran Desert Field 

Station, University of Arizona.

Jenkins, M.E., 1989, Ground and surface water assessments 

supporting instream flow protection at the Hassayampa 

River Preserve, Wickenburg, Arizona: Tucson, University of 

Arizona, Master's thesis, 89 p.
22 Reconnaissance Study of the Hydrologic Characteristics of the Hassayampa River Canyon Wilderness, Central Arizona

Pope, G.L., Rigas, P.O., and Smith, C.F., 1998, Statistical 

summaries of streamflow data and characteristics of 

drainage basins for selected streamflow-gaging stations in 

Arizona through water year 1996: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report, 98-4225, 907 p.

Rantz, S.E., and others, 1982, Measurement and computation 

of streamflow Volume 1, Measurement of stage 

and discharge: U.S. Geological Survey Water-Supply 

Paper 2175, 248 p.

Reynolds, S.J., 1988. Geologic map of Arizona: Arizona 

Geological Survey, Map 26, scale 1:1,000,000.

Richard, S.M., Reynolds, S.J., Spencer, J.E., and Pearthree, 

P.A., 2000, Geologic Map of Arizona: Tucson, Arizona, 

Geological Survey Map M-35, scale 1:1,000,000.

Sanger, H.W., and Appel, C.L., 1980, Maps showing groundwater conditions in the Hassayampa area, Maricopa and 

Yavapai counties, Arizona 1978: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Open-File Report 80-584, 

2 sheets.

Sellers, W.D., and Hill, R.H., eds., 1974, Arizona Climate 

1931-1972, University of Arizona Press, Tucson, Arizona, 

616 p.

Smith, C.F., Duet, N.R., Fisk, G.G., McCormack, H.F., Partin, 

C.K., Pope, G.L., and Rigas, P.D., 1997, Water resources 

data Arizona, water year 1996: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Data Report, AZ-96-1, 328 p.

State of Arizona, 1996, Water quality standards: Phoenix, 

State of Arizona, Arizona Administrative Code, Title 18, 

Chap. 11, p. 1-60.

Valencia, R.A., Wennerlund, J.A., Winstead, R.A., Woods, 

S., Riley, L., Swanson, E., and Olson, S., 1993, Arizona 

riparian inventory and mapping project. Arizona Game and 

Fish Department, Phoenix, Arizona.

Western Regional Climate Center, Desert Research Institute, 

2004, Arizona climate summaries: Reno, Nevada, accessed 

April 15, 2004, at http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climsum.html.

Wilde, F.D., and Radtke, D.B., eds., 1998, National field 

manual for the collection of water-quality data Field 

measurements: U.S. Geological Survey Techniques of 

Water-Resources Investigations, book 9, chap. A6, v.p.
Fleming RECONNAISSANCE STUDY OFTHE HYDROLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS OFTHE

HASSAYAMPA RIVER CANYON WILDERNESS, CENTRAL ARIZONA 

U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2005-5125