Brown Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brown Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | valley on a mountain in the northwestern part of Larksville, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania between 1,320 and 1,340 feet (400 and 410 m) |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River in Plymouth, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 528 ft (161 m) 41°14′19″N 75°56′33″W / 41.2386°N 75.9425°W |
| Length | 3.1 mi (5.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 2.79 sq mi (7.2 km2) |
Brown Creek (also known as Brown's Creek) is a small waterway in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, United States. It's a tributary, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, in this case, the Susquehanna River. The creek is about 3.1 miles (5.0 km) long. It flows through the towns of Larksville and Plymouth. The area of land that drains water into Brown Creek is about 2.79 square miles (7.2 km2). This creek is important for fish, as it's a designated Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. There are two dams on the creek, and several bridges cross over it.
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The Creek's Journey: Where Does Brown Creek Flow?
Brown Creek starts its journey in a valley on a mountain in the northwestern part of Larksville. This area was once called Pine Swamp. From its source, the creek flows generally south. It passes through a community called Gregory.
After leaving its valley, the creek continues to wind its way south. It then enters the town of Plymouth. In Plymouth, it takes a short turn east before heading south again. Finally, it crosses US Route 11 and meets the Susquehanna River. Brown Creek joins the Susquehanna River about 185.92 miles (299.21 km) upstream from where the Susquehanna itself flows into the ocean.
Water Levels and Land Features of Brown Creek
The land around Brown Creek changes quite a bit from its start to its end. Near where the creek joins the Susquehanna River, the elevation is about 528 feet (161 m) above sea level. Up at the creek's source, the elevation is much higher, between 1,320 and 1,340 feet (400 and 410 m) above sea level. This difference in height helps the water flow downhill.
Brown Creek is often dry, especially during certain times of the year. However, it can sometimes have quick, strong floods. Near a special structure called a debris dam, most of the creek's water is sent through a large, 10-foot (3-meter) wide pipe. This pipe helps carry the water through a nearby levee, which is a wall built to prevent flooding. The rest of the water continues to flow in the creek's natural path, sometimes openly and sometimes through culverts (tunnels) under roads and buildings.
Brown Creek's Surrounding Area: The Watershed
The watershed of Brown Creek is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt eventually drain into the creek. This area covers about 2.79 square miles (7.2 km2). A smaller part of this watershed, upstream from Gregory, is about 0.70 square miles (1.8 km2). The creek's mouth is on maps known as the Wilkes-Barre West quadrangle, while its source is on the Kingston quadrangle.
There's a dam on Brown Creek called the Brown Creek Dam. It's located on Cherry Street in Plymouth. Usually, the area behind this dam, which would be a reservoir, is dry. There's also another structure called a debris dam near Edwards Street. A pumping station also helps manage water on the creek.
A Look Back: The History of Brown Creek
Brown Creek has been known by many names throughout history. People have called it Nesbitt's Creek, Cooper's Run, Poke Hollow Creek, Bull Run Creek, and Pine Swamp Creek. But "Brown's Creek" is the most common historical name.
Over the years, several bridges have been built over Brown Creek. A concrete bridge for Carver Street was built in 1951 in Plymouth. Another concrete bridge for State Route 1001 was built in 1953. This second bridge was replaced in 2014, costing about $443,000.
In 1959, an earth-fill dam and a debris dam were built on Brown Creek. These projects cost about $492,000. During Tropical Storm Lee in 2011, a large pipe (pressure conduit) on Brown Creek had problems.
Brown Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system helps keep track of names for geographical features.
Wildlife and Nature: Biology of Brown Creek
The entire area that drains into Brown Creek is special because it's designated as a Coldwater Fishery. This means the water is cold enough for certain types of fish to live and thrive there. It's also a Migratory Fishery, which means it's important for fish that travel between different bodies of water, often to lay their eggs. This designation helps protect the creek's environment for these fish.
