Monday, 11 April 2011

Waterfalls of Havasupai

The beautiful blue-green water tumbles over five major waterfalls. The first fall was created during the flood of 2008, is temporarily being referred to as "New" Navajo Falls (located 1 mile from the village). A quarter mile downstream is the other new fall Mother Nature created with her flood waters is Rock Falls (also a temporary name.)
About another half mile brings you to Havasu Falls, which has also been changed by the flood. Havasu Falls' crest, is now flowing out of the right side of the previous slightly higher crest. Havasu Falls still provides excellent swimming and photo opportunities.
Mooney Falls (another mile from Havasu falls at the far end of the campground) suffered the least change, but the pool was filled with silt. An artificial wall has been put in place and already it is being calcified and covered by travertine.
It is natural for the falls to change over time, as evidenced by the ancient crests lining Havasu and Mooney falls. The pools will regain their previous shapes, as the process repeats itself as it has been doing for millennia.
The water temperature of about 70 degrees remains relatively constant throughout the year. It's high mineral content and carbonate precipitate account for the pools and natural dams. The in-frequent floods repeatedly destroy many of these natural dams, but day by day and year by year they are constantly being reformed.

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