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Animas Creek facts for kids

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Animas Creek is a special kind of stream found in the Animas Valley, located in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. It's known as an intermittent stream, which means it doesn't flow with water all the time. Instead, it only has water during certain parts of the year, usually after heavy rains or during specific seasons.

Animas Creek: A Desert Waterway

Animas Creek begins where two smaller streams, Foster Draw and Taylor Draw, meet. This starting point is high up, at about 5,151 feet (1,570 meters) above sea level. From there, the creek's path continues northward through the Animas Valley.

Where Does Animas Creek Flow?

The main part of Animas Creek flows through the beautiful Animas Valley. Its official end, or "mouth," is at an elevation of 4,662 feet (1,421 meters). However, if you look at detailed maps, you'll see that its dry streambed, called a wash, actually stretches even further north. It reaches almost to the southern edge of the town of Animas, New Mexico.

What Are the Tributaries of Animas Creek?

Many smaller streams and canyons flow into Animas Creek along its journey. These are called tributaries. They bring water from the surrounding mountains, like the Peloncillo Mountains and the Animas Mountains, into the main creek. Here are some of the tributaries that join Animas Creek from its source heading north:

  • Clanton Draw from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Last Chance Draw from the Animas Mountains.
  • Whitmire Creek from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Black Bill Canyon from the Animas Mountains.
  • Bercham Draw from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Horse Camp Draw (Animas Creek) from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Baldy Mountain Canyon from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Indian Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Miner Canyon from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Double Adobe Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Pig Pen Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Cabin Canyon from the Peloncillo Mountains.
  • Bull Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • McClean Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Whitmire Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Willow Creek from the Animas Mountains.
  • Big Creek from the Peloncillo Mountains.
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Animas Creek Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.