Water—Spring 2020

Here are a few recent water photographs in northern Arizona.

Dry Beaver Creek and Jacks Canyon Creek confluence.
Dry Beaver Creek and Jacks Canyon Creek confluence.

This photograph was taken in mid-April after a spring storm brought snow to the Mogollon Rim and rain to the lower elevations. The runoff was sufficient to swell the flow in Dry Beaver Creek from a light trickle back to a noisy roar. This is the confluence of the smaller Jacks Canyon Creek with Dry Beaver Creek. While the flowing water is in late-afternoon shadow, the trees and distant hills remain in sunlight.

Rogers Lake.
Rogers Lake.

A day later I was at Rogers Lake southwest of Flagstaff. The reflections of the clouds in the shallow water is interesting. Getting this shot required walking out into the mud. I was glad I had thought to bring a spare pair of shoes for the drive home.

Headwaters of Sycamore Canyon.
Headwaters of Sycamore Canyon.

A week later I did a morning run along the Sycamore Rim Trail. When finished, I returned to a few spots that would make interesting water photographs. This is typical of the upper sections of the canyon with ponds of slow moving water and grassy edges.

Dry Beaver Creek.
Dry Beaver Creek.

This image was taken on a different location on Dry Beaver Creek about two weeks after the top photograph. Water levels have dropped substantially. A few large pools remain but water flow is down to a trickle.

We are now entering our dry season and the water in these locations will quickly disappear.