La Plata River

The La Plata River is a short, seasonal river located in the southwestern United States, flowing through parts of Arizona and New Mexico. It originates from narrow mountain streams and quickly broadens into a muddy floodplain during periods of heavy rain, especially in monsoon season. The river often changes its course and may be dry at times, acting primarily as a drainage channel for local runoff. Its name, meaning "Silver River" in Spanish, reflects the area's history. The La Plata River plays a role in local ecosystems and agriculture, but its flow is highly variable and influenced by seasonal rainfall.