Crane Creek (Little River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crane Creek |
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Location of Crane Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Little River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Moore |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Crowley Creek divide about 2 miles east of Carthage, North Carolina 445 ft (136 m) 35°21′45″N 079°21′24″W / 35.36250°N 79.35667°W |
| River mouth | Little River about 1 mile south of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina 184 ft (56 m) 35°11′07″N 079°10′06″W / 35.18528°N 79.16833°W |
| Length | 23.41 mi (37.67 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | southeast |
| River system | Cape Fear River |
| Basin size | 100.22 square miles (259.6 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Lake Surf |
| Bridges | US 15-501, NC 24-27, Scott Road, Grady Road, Shaw Road, US 1 Business, US 1, McLauchlin Road, Loblolly Drive, Lobelia Road, McGill Road, McPherson Road |
Crane Creek is a stream in Moore County, North Carolina. It flows for about 23.41 mi (37.67 km). This creek is a "tributary," meaning it flows into a larger river. It joins the Little River.
Contents
What's in a Name?
Sometimes, places have different names over time. Crane Creek has been called a few other names. These include Crains Creek, Little Crains Creek, and North Fork Crains Creek. This information comes from the Geographic Names Information System.
Where Does Crane Creek Flow?
Starting Point
Crane Creek begins near Carthage, North Carolina. It starts about 2 miles east of the town. This area is a "divide," a high point where water flows in different directions. The starting elevation is about 445 ft (136 m) above sea level.
Its Journey
The creek flows mostly to the southeast. It travels through Moore County. Along its path, it collects water from smaller streams.
Where It Ends
Crane Creek eventually meets the Little River. This meeting point is about 1 mile south of Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina. The elevation at its mouth is about 184 ft (56 m). The Little River then flows into the larger Cape Fear River.
Understanding the Watershed
What is a Watershed?
A watershed is an area of land. All the rain and snow that falls in this area drains into one main stream or river. Think of it like a giant funnel. Crane Creek's watershed covers about 100.22 square miles (259.6 km2).
Rainfall and Forests
This area gets about 48.2 inches of rain each year. About 39% of the land in the Crane Creek watershed is covered by forests. Forests are important because they help keep the water clean.
Water Flow
The average amount of water flowing from Crane Creek into the Little River is about 107.47 cu ft/s (3.043 m3/s).
Streams and Water Bodies
Tributaries: Streams That Join Crane Creek
Many smaller streams flow into Crane Creek. These are called tributaries.
- On the left side:
- Herds Creek
- Little Crane Creek
- Big Branch
- Slash Branch
- Beaver Creek
- Horse Branch
- Cypress Creek
- Little Creek
- On the right side:
- Dunhams Creek
Lakes and Ponds
One notable water body connected to Crane Creek is Lake Surf.
Bridges Over Crane Creek
Many roads cross over Crane Creek. Here are some of the bridges:
- US 15-501
- NC 24-27
- Scott Road
- Grady Road
- Shaw Road
- US 1 Business
- US 1
- McLauchlin Road
- Loblolly Drive
- Lobelia Road
- McGill Road
- McPherson Road
