waterwalk

Waterwalk is an archaeological site located in New Mexico, United States. It is situated in the Carson National Forest and features a series of ancient stone walkways that traverse a low-lying area, providing a means to cross the San Cristobal Creek during periods of flood. The site is notable for being one of the few examples of a dolmen constructed as a water tunnel that has been preserved well enough to be studied.

Excavations have revealed that the original waterwalk dates back around 800 AD, with the prevailing theory being that it was built by the Ancestral Puebloans. The dolmen was constructed from stone, specifically a combination of granite and sandstone, creating a series of arches that span the riverbed. This stone structure is anchored at one end to a rocky outcropping and rises gradually from the bed of the creek at the other end.

As part of the archaeological studies, researchers have monitored the water flow through the stone tunnel over the course of several years, documenting instances where the creek overflows. They have also analyzed the stability and water-carrying capacity of the structure, measuring flow rates and velocities to understand its purpose and functionality. The study of the waterwalk has provided valuable insights into the engineering and design practices employed by the Ancestral Puebloans.