University of Arizona
Sense of Place
Geos. 195D
Tucson WashesTucson has various "washes" that are now mostly dry, except when they flood. The image below is of the Rillito in moderate flood with lots of muddy water.
- The Rillito experienced a peak flood during late July, 2006. Click here to see the USGS site on it, complete with videos and data.
- '83 flood-control work helps limit damage: This AZ Daily Star article says the side wall cementing of our washes helped get us through the July '06 flooding.
- Marana floods: Then again, the downstream community of Marana took a hit in the July '06 flood.
Should houses and business be built in or near Tucson's washes? A good sense of place includes considering this question.
- 3/30/06: Do not enter when flooded: A housing development is planned for inside the Campbell Wash. The pros and cons are interesting.
- 3/13/07: Condo resident fears cracked wall won't withstand another flood: Just as we talked about in the Rillito, others have noticed changes in the flood protection due to the July, 2006 flood. Don't miss the comments.
Dendrochronology
Dendrochronology, the study of tree rings, can be applied to riparian trees in order to date past floods.
2011: Coring a tree. Photo credit — Jason Eckelbarger
2011: A tree core. Photo credit — Rachel FeuerbachCemented Banks
The banks of the Rillito have been cemented in, which protected many "streamside" areas during the July, 2006, flooding. Will the cement hold out forever?
2009: Photo credit — Paul Sheppard
2007: Photo credit — Jayme Kelter
2007: Photo credit — Jayme Kelter
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