Carneros Creek (Monterey County, California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carneros Creek |
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Seawater can flow backwards into the mouth of Carneros Creek during high tides. View at the northern tip of Elkhorn Slough, looking northeast from Elkhorn Road towards the northern Gabilan Range near Las Lomas.
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 Location of the mouth in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Region | Monterey County, California |
| City | Las Lomas |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 440 ft (130 m) 36°49′39″N 121°38′07″W / 36.82750°N 121.63528°W |
| River mouth | Elkhorn Slough 7 ft (2.1 m) 36°51′33″N 121°44′49″W / 36.85917°N 121.74694°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 170 sq mi (440 km2) |
Carneros Creek is a stream in California. It flows west and is the main source of fresh water for Elkhorn Slough. Elkhorn Slough is a special wetland area. The creek is about 9.8 miles (15.8 km) long. It starts in the Gabilan Range mountains. After flowing through Elkhorn Slough, Carneros Creek reaches Monterey Bay. This happens near Moss Landing, California.
What's in a Name?
The name "Carneros" comes from Spanish. It means "sheep." This name was used for land grants in Monterey County way back in the 1830s and 1840s. So, the creek is named after these old sheep ranches.
Where Does the Water Go?
Carneros Creek brings a lot of water to Elkhorn Slough every year. The creek bed is made of coarse sand. This is because the Pajaro River used to flow through here a long time ago. Sometimes, the creek can dry up in the summer. When this happens, ocean water from Elkhorn Slough can flow back into the creek during high tides.
The creek starts high up in the Gabilan Range. It flows north along Highway 101/156. Another part of the creek joins it from the east. This eastern part also starts in the Gabilan Range. The creek then flows west through different areas. It finally joins Elkhorn Slough near Las Lomas, California.
Most of Carneros Creek has been changed by people. It was made into a straight channel. This was done to make more land for farming and raising cattle. Walls were built along the creek to help prevent floods. However, the creek used to curve and wind naturally. It had floodplains and wetlands. These areas were important homes for plants and animals.
Animals and Nature
Many groups are working to help Carneros Creek. They are studying how organic farming affects the water. They are also trying to bring back the wetlands. Wetlands are very important habitats. Restoring these areas can help animals like the Santa Cruz long-toed salamander and the California red-legged frog. These animals need healthy wetlands to survive.
