River Gauge House Site: A Glimpse into Colorado River History

The River Gauge House Site, located in Willow Beach, Arizona, offers a unique window into the history of the Colorado River and the efforts to manage its waters. In 1931, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the Bureau of Reclamation selected this site to measure the river's flow downstream from the Hoover Dam. Construction started in 1934, and the station was completed in July 1935. Before the construction of the Hoover Dam in 1935, the Colorado River was a wild and treacherous force. The completion of the dam marked a turning point, providing flood control and a means to capture the river's energy. To measure the impact of this massive engineering project, several measuring stations were built, including the one at Willow Beach. The river gaugers who lived and worked at this site played a crucial role in monitoring the river's volume, flow rate, and silt content. Today, visitors to the River Gauge House Site can see the stone foundations of the gauger's one-bedroom house and garage. Interpretive signs provide historical context, explaining the significance of the site and the lives of those who worked there. The site also offers stunning views of the Colorado River and the surrounding landscape.