Salt River Before the Dam

Salt River Before the Dam. . The Salt River begins high in the White Mountains as runoff from melting snow, finding its way into streams and creeks that eventually form the White and Black rivers. The confluence of the two rivers marks the beginning of the Salt., Early Phoenix farmers were frustrated by the erratic flow of the Salt River. Dwindling to nothing in summer, the Salt River would flood at other times of the year. It would burst rock and brush dams and wash out fields. It was believed that Roosevelt Dam would manage the river so they'd have a dependable water supply. Completed in 1911, Roosevelt Dam controls the flow of the Salt's water to irrigation districts, cities, farms, and residential irrigators through smaller canals, laterals and ditches.