Talk:Tuolumne River

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[edit] Headwaters

On their website, the Tuolumne River Trust[1]] states a higher elevation for the river's headwaters than that which is now cited. Anyone care to explain the discrepancy? Ombudsman 11:29, 3 February 2006 (UTC)

It depends on the definition of headwaters. The peaks of the mountains around the headwaters are at 13,000'. If the definition of headwater is the highest location that a drop of rain could fall and flow into the river, then those are the headwaters. However, the more commonly accepted definition is the highest flowing water of a river. This is shown on the USGS topo map as being a little above 11000' (I referenced the location on the topo map).

I think that the TRT is just making the river sound more impressive. But, between 11000' and 13000', those peaks are just big talus rubble piles --- the water just seeps down between the rocks. Those really aren't headwaters.

--hike395 16:44, 3 February 2006 (UTC)