Comite River facts for kids
The Comite River is a cool waterway in Louisiana that flows into the Amite River. It's located near the city of Denham Springs, which is just east of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Think of it as a smaller stream that joins a bigger river.
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About the Comite River
The Comite River is about 56 miles (90 kilometers) long. That's like driving for an hour on the highway! It's an important part of the local environment.
Where Does It Start and End?
The Comite River begins in the hilly areas of East and West Feliciana parishes. These are areas with lots of trees and natural beauty. From there, the river flows south. It eventually empties into the Amite River. This happens just north of U.S. Route 190 (also known as Florida Blvd), near the eastern edge of Baton Rouge.
What is a Drainage Basin?
The Comite River has a "drainage basin" that covers about 348 square miles (901 square kilometers). A drainage basin is like a giant funnel. It's all the land where rain and snowmelt collect and then drain into a particular river or stream. For the Comite River, its basin includes parts of Wilkinson and Amite counties in Mississippi. It also covers parts of East Feliciana and East Baton Rouge parishes in Louisiana.
When the River Floods
Even though the Comite River is usually calm and shallow, it can change quickly. This happens when there are very heavy rains in the Baton Rouge area.
Why Does the Comite River Flood?
When a lot of rain falls, especially in the hills and forests of the Felicianas, all that water rushes down. It flows into the Comite River, making it rise very fast. What was once a small stream can become a powerful, fast-moving river.
What Happens During a Flood?
During floods, the water in the Comite River flows strongly to the south. Sometimes, this can cause problems for homes in areas east of Baton Rouge, as the water can spread out and flood them. In very serious floods, the water has even covered Greenwell Springs Road, making it impossible to pass.
