Cle Elum River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cle Elum River |
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The upper Cle Elum River valley
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| Region | Kittitas County |
| City | Cle Elum |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range 6,115 ft (1,864 m) 47°35′19″N 121°10′1″W / 47.58861°N 121.16694°W |
| River mouth | Yakima River 1,990 ft (610 m) 47°10′37″N 120°59′49″W / 47.17694°N 120.99694°W |
| Length | 28 mi (45 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Cle Elum River is a river in Washington, a state in the United States. It flows for about 28 miles (45 km). This river is a tributary of the Yakima River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one.
The name "Cle Elum" comes from the Kittitas people. Their word "Tie-el-Lum" means "swift water," which describes how the river flows. In the 1850s, some maps called it the Samahma River. The name "Cle Elum" was first used for a train station. Later, it became the name for the nearby city and the river itself.
Where the River Flows
The Cle Elum River starts high up in the Cascade Range mountains. It begins near a tall peak called Mount Daniel. From there, the river flows generally south.
River's Journey
As it flows, the river passes through a pretty spot called Hyas Lake. Many smaller streams join the Cle Elum River along its path. Two important rivers that flow into it are the Waptus River and the Cooper River. The Cooper River drains water from Cooper Lake.
Cle Elum Lake and Dam
After these rivers join, the Cle Elum River flows into Cle Elum Lake. This lake is naturally formed, but its water level is controlled by a large structure called the Cle Elum Dam. The dam is 165 feet (50 meters) tall. It was built in 1933.
The United States Bureau of Reclamation manages the dam and the lake. They use it to store water for irrigation. This means the water helps farmers grow crops in the area.
Joining the Yakima River
Below the dam, the Cle Elum River continues its journey south. It finally joins the larger Yakima River. This meeting point is on the west side of the city of Cle Elum.
