Back Creek (Caraway Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Back Creek |
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Location of Back Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Caraway Creek |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Randolph |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Deep River divide about 3 miles south of Randleman, North Carolina 730 ft (220 m) 35°47′43″N 079°50′05″W / 35.79528°N 79.83472°W |
| River mouth | Caraway Creek about 3 miles northeast of Farmer, North Carolina 413 ft (126 m) 35°41′12″N 079°56′20″W / 35.68667°N 79.93889°W |
| Length | 9.78 mi (15.74 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally south-southeast |
| River system | Pee Dee |
| Basin size | 37.98 square miles (98.4 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Back Creek Lake |
| Bridges | I-74, Turner Dairy Road, Health Dairy Road, Pineview Street, Spero Road, Lake Lucas Road, Old Lexington Road, Back Creek Road |
Back Creek is a stream in North Carolina, United States. It flows for about 9.78 miles (15.74 km). This creek is a 'tributary' to Caraway Creek. A tributary is a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. Back Creek is located in Randolph County. It is part of the larger Pee Dee River system.
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Back Creek: A North Carolina Stream
Back Creek is an important part of the local water system in Randolph County. It helps carry water from the land into larger rivers. The creek's path takes it through different types of land. This includes forests and open areas.
Where Does Back Creek Start and End?
Back Creek begins in Randolph County, North Carolina. It starts about three miles south of a town called Randleman. The place where it begins is on the Deep River divide. A 'divide' is like a high ridge of land. It separates where water flows in different directions.
From its start, Back Creek flows generally towards the south-southeast. It travels until it joins Caraway Creek. This meeting point is about three miles northeast of Farmer. The creek starts at an elevation of about 730 feet (223 meters). It ends at about 413 feet (126 meters) above sea level.
What is a Watershed?
Every stream and river has a 'watershed.' A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a single stream, river, or lake. Back Creek's watershed covers about 37.98 square miles (98.37 square kilometers).
In this area, Back Creek receives about 46.8 inches (118.9 cm) of rain each year. About 52% of the land in its watershed is covered by forests. This means that more than half of the area around the creek is woodlands. Forests are important because they help filter water and prevent soil erosion.
Water Flow and Tributaries
The average amount of water flowing from Back Creek into Caraway Creek is about 42.46 cubic feet per second (1.20 cubic meters per second). This measurement helps scientists understand how much water the creek carries.
Back Creek also has its own smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries. On the left side, it receives water from Greenes Branch, Cedar Fork, and Cable Creek. On the right side, several unnamed smaller streams join Back Creek. There is also a body of water called Back Creek Lake.
Bridges Over Back Creek
Many roads and bridges cross over Back Creek. These bridges allow people to travel across the stream. Some of the major crossings include:
- Interstate 74 (I-74)
- Turner Dairy Road
- Health Dairy Road
- Pineview Street
- Spero Road
- Lake Lucas Road
- Old Lexington Road
- Back Creek Road
These crossings show how Back Creek is part of the everyday life and transportation in Randolph County.
