Clover Hill Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clover Hill Creek |
|
|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Trib 28528 to Leggetts Creek |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Bell Mountain in Dickson City, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania between 1,760 and 1,780 feet (540 and 540 m) |
| River mouth | Leggetts Creek in Scranton, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania 906 ft (276 m) 41°27′17″N 75°39′43″W / 41.45482°N 75.66192°W |
| Length | 1.6 mi (2.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Leggetts Creek → Lackawanna River → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 2 sq mi (5.2 km2) |
Clover Hill Creek (also known as Trib 28528 to Leggetts Creek) is a small stream, or tributary, located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It flows into Leggetts Creek. This creek is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long. It travels through the towns of Dickson City and Scranton.
The area of land that drains into Clover Hill Creek, called its watershed, is about 2 square miles (5.2 km2). The upper parts of the creek's watershed are covered in forests and have a few homes. However, the lower parts of the creek flow through areas where the water has been directed into channels and pipes.
Contents
Where Does Clover Hill Creek Flow?
Clover Hill Creek starts high up on Bell Mountain in Dickson City. It flows generally south-southwest down the mountain. After flowing for more than a mile, it goes under a highway.
The creek then continues flowing south-southwest next to the highway. It then enters the city of Scranton. A short distance further downstream, it crosses under Interstate 81. Soon after, it joins Leggetts Creek. Clover Hill Creek meets Leggetts Creek about 2 miles (3.2 km) before Leggetts Creek reaches its own end.
Water Flow and Management
Water from roads, especially during storms, flows into Clover Hill Creek. This happens through natural dips in the land called swales and other inlets. Experts have suggested using special systems to help filter this stormwater before it enters the creek. These systems can help keep the water clean.
The Land Around the Creek
The land around the end of Clover Hill Creek is about 906 feet (276 m) above sea level. Where the creek begins, its source, the elevation is much higher. It is between 1,760 and 1,780 feet (540 and 540 m) above sea level.
From Mountains to Highways
The very beginning of Clover Hill Creek comes from springs on Bell Mountain. In its higher parts, the creek flows steeply down the mountain. It passes through forests and has many small splash pools and rock falls. There are some local roads and homes nearby in the Bell Mountain area.
However, as the creek flows lower, it changes a lot. It has been straightened and flows right next to a highway. The creek's path is quite deep near Hollow Road. It goes through a large culvert (a pipe-like structure) under the Scranton/Carbondale Highway. It also flows through a channel made of riparap (large rocks) next to that highway. The creek also flows through two pipes that are 12 inches (30 cm) wide.
Who Lives in the Creek's Watershed?
The watershed of Clover Hill Creek covers about 2 square miles (5.2 km2). This entire area is located within the Scranton map section of the United States Geological Survey.
Clover Hill Creek is considered a "first-order" stream, meaning it's one of the smallest types of streams. The main ways people use the land in the upper parts of the watershed are for forests and homes. Other areas in the watershed are used for businesses, like those found along highways. There is also a small area of wetlands near the middle of the creek.
The area right next to the creek, called the riparian buffer, is mostly forested in its upper parts. Further downstream, this buffer has meadow grasses and other small plants. Interestingly, Clover Hill Creek is a "Trout Stocked Fishery" along its entire length. This means that trout are regularly added to the creek for fishing.
A Look Back in Time
Clover Hill Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on January 1, 1990. This system keeps track of names for places like rivers and mountains. The creek was included because it appeared on a map called Patton's Philadelphia and Suburbs Street and Road Map, which was made in 1984. It is also known by its other name, "Trib 28528 to Leggetts Creek."
In 2013, there were very heavy rains. During this time, Clover Hill Creek temporarily flooded over US Route 6. This flooding blocked an entrance to the Viewmont Mall for a short time.
