Channel changes of the Gila River in Safford Valley, Arizona, 1846-1970

The stream channel of the Gila River in Safford Valley, Ariz., changed significantly from 1846 to 1970. The stream channel was fairly stable and narrow from 1846 to 1904 and meandered through a flood plain covered with willow, cottonwood, and mesquite. The average width of the stream channel was less than 150 feet in 1875 and less than 300 feet in 1903. During 1905-17 major destruction of the flood plain took place, and the average stream-channel width increased to about 2,000 feet. Reconstruction of the flood plain was underway during 1918-70; the stream channel narrowed, and the average width was less than 200 feet in 1964. The flood plain became densely covered with saltcedar during 1918-70. Minor widening of the stream channel occurred in 1965 and in 1967, and the average width of the channel was about 400 feet in 1968.