Fossil Creek
Fossil Creek (Yavapai: Hakhavsuwa or Vialnyucha) is a perennial stream accessed by forest roads near the community of Camp Verde in the U.S. state of Arizona. Primary access is from Forest Road 708 off Arizona State Route 260 east of Camp Verde. A tributary of the Verde River, Fossil Creek flows from its headwaters on the Mogollon Rim to meet the larger stream near the former Childs Power Plant.
| Fossil Creek | |
|---|---|
Waterfall on Fossil Creek | |
Fossil Creek proposal map (March 2011) | |
Location of the mouth of Fossil Creek at the Verde River | |
| Etymology | the resemblance to fossils of the stream's rocks and vegetation, coated with travertine |
| Native name | Hakhavsuwa (Yavapai) |
| Location | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Arizona |
| County | Coconino, Yavapai, Gila |
| City | Strawberry |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | |
| • coordinates | 34°26′07″N 111°30′31″W |
| • elevation | 6,510 ft (1,980 m) |
| Mouth | Verde River |
• coordinates | 34°18′21″N 111°40′32″W |
• elevation | 2,543 ft (775 m) |
| Length | 17 mi (27 km) |
| Basin size | 135 sq mi (350 km2) |
| Discharge | |
| • location | Fossil Creek Bridge |
| • average | 43 cu ft/s (1.2 m3/s) |
| • minimum | 39 cu ft/s (1.1 m3/s) |
| • maximum | 885 cu ft/s (25.1 m3/s) |
National Wild and Scenic Rivers System | |
| Type | Wild, Recreational |
| Designated | March 30, 2009 |
Fossil Springs, near the headwaters, emits upwards of 20,000 US gallons (76 m3) per minute that flow into the creek year-round. Calcium carbonate, precipitating from the 72 °F (22 °C) water from the springs, creates travertine dams and deposits for several miles downstream. The Fossil Creek system is the fourth largest producer of travertine in the United States.
Fossil Creek is one of only two streams in Arizona included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. The creek and its riparian corridor provide habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna, some listed as endangered or otherwise imperiled. Its former power-plant complex is listed as a National Historic District. Since restoration of the stream's natural flow in 2008, an increase in recreational visits has raised concerns about overuse and has led to road closings and other restrictions.