Desert ponds

[msjy]

I live in Arizona, Is there any mud, quicksand at places like cattle ponds tanks where rainwater collects?

[DangerGirl]

Given the nature of the soil in most of the state, you're not going to find much where water just stands. However, get to any rivers or creeks, especially in canyons, and you'll find it in spades. We found it in Canyon de Chelly. Keep an eye on the weather, though, and not just overhead. A sudden rainstorm anywhere upstream can cause a flash flood, and you don't want to be anywhere inside those canyons when that happens.

I also remember quicksand made up of silt and ash being reported in Sabino Canyon in Tucson shortly after the Santa Catalina fires several years back.

[fancysox]

This also answers a question I was about to post: Doesn't quicksand happen in the desert or the Wild West, given the right conditions? I figured that in arroyos or canyons, there would be some around the water courses. So thanks for answering my question, too!

[YerK]

I found quicksand in the Little Colorado River where it crossed I40, about 25 years ago. I got as far down as up to my neck before I was too tired to work my way any deeper. (and never felt a bottom) I also found that I floated at around elbow deep in it. That same area looks to be a bit too overgrown with businesses & such now, though.