Cold Spring Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cold Spring Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | New York |
| Counties | Delaware |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Clarks Pond N of Stilesville 1,795 ft (547 m) 42°10′14″N 75°24′36″W / 42.1706381°N 75.4099001°W |
| River mouth | West Branch Delaware River Stilesville 988 ft (301 m) 42°04′51″N 75°24′08″W / 42.08083°N 75.40222°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 30.7 sq mi (80 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Cold Spring Creek is a small river or creek located in Delaware County, New York. It plays an important role in the local water system. The creek starts from Clarks Pond and flows south. It eventually joins the West Branch Delaware River in a place called Stilesville.
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Journey of Cold Spring Creek
Cold Spring Creek has a clear path from where it begins to where it ends. Understanding this journey helps us see how it fits into the larger natural world.
Where Does the Creek Begin?
Cold Spring Creek starts its journey at Clarks Pond. This pond is located north of a small community called Stilesville. The starting point of the creek is quite high up, at an elevation of about 1,795 feet (or 547 meters) above sea level. This high starting point helps the water flow downhill.
Where Does the Creek End?
After flowing south, Cold Spring Creek eventually reaches its end. It flows into the West Branch Delaware River. This meeting point is also near Stilesville. At this spot, the creek is much lower, at an elevation of about 988 feet (or 301 meters) above sea level. This difference in height creates the flow of the creek.
What is the Creek's Drainage Area?
The area that collects rainwater and sends it into Cold Spring Creek is called its drainage basin. For Cold Spring Creek, this basin covers about 30.7 square miles (or 79.5 square kilometers). This means all the rain and snow that falls in this large area will eventually flow into the creek.
What Other Streams Join the Creek?
Along its path, Cold Spring Creek is joined by other smaller streams, known as tributaries. These tributaries add more water to the creek.
- One important tributary is the East Branch Cold Spring Creek.
- Another stream that flows into Cold Spring Creek is called Cabin Brook.
These smaller streams help to increase the amount of water flowing in Cold Spring Creek.
Importance of Cold Spring Creek
Cold Spring Creek is a vital part of the local environment. It helps to drain water from the land, preventing floods and keeping the ecosystem healthy.
Part of a Larger River System
Cold Spring Creek is not just a standalone stream. It is a part of a much larger river system. When Cold Spring Creek flows into the West Branch Delaware River, its water becomes part of that bigger river. The West Branch Delaware River then joins other rivers to form the main Delaware River. This large river flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. So, the water from Cold Spring Creek eventually makes its way to the sea.
Supporting Local Nature
Creeks like Cold Spring Creek provide a home for many different plants and animals. They are important for the local ecosystem. The water supports various types of fish, insects, and other wildlife. The land around the creek also benefits from the water it provides.
