Crawfish Creek (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crawfish Creek |
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Bridge across Crawfish Creek, 1989
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| Country | United States |
| State | Wyoming |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 44°10′47″N 110°42′08″W / 44.17972°N 110.70222°W, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming |
| River mouth | Lewis River44°09′02″N 110°40′05″W / 44.15056°N 110.66806°W, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming 6,913 ft (2,107 m) |
Crawfish Creek is a small stream found in Yellowstone National Park in the state of Wyoming, United States. This stream is quite special because its water is much warmer than most other streams in Wyoming. This warmth creates a perfect home for crawfish, which is how the creek got its name!
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Discovering Crawfish Creek
Crawfish Creek is a short but interesting stream. It flows through a beautiful part of Yellowstone National Park. Its unique features make it a great place to learn about how geology affects nature.
Why is the Water Warm?
The water in Crawfish Creek is unusually warm. In summer, the water temperature is usually between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius (about 72 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). This warmth comes from the southern part of the Yellowstone volcanic area.
This area has many hot springs and fumaroles. Hot springs are natural pools of hot water. Fumaroles are vents in the Earth's surface that release steam and gases. These natural features heat the water that flows into Crawfish Creek. The water is also a bit alkaline, with a pH level of about 9.1. This means it is not acidic.
Home to Crawfish
Because of its warm temperatures, Crawfish Creek is a great habitat for crawfish. These small, freshwater creatures look a lot like tiny lobsters. They thrive in the warm, alkaline water. It's rare to find so many crawfish in other streams in Wyoming.
Where Crawfish Creek Flows
Crawfish Creek flows into the Lewis River. This happens just south of the Lewis River Canyon. Soon after, the Lewis River joins the larger Snake River. This shows how smaller streams connect to bigger river systems.
A beautiful waterfall called Moose Falls is also nearby. It is located about 75 meters (246 feet) upstream from where Crawfish Creek meets the Lewis River.
The Surrounding Forest
The area around Crawfish Creek is covered in thick forests. You can find many types of trees here. The most common trees are lodgepole pine and Douglas fir. These forests are home to many animals that live in Yellowstone National Park.
