Cuchillo Negro Creek facts for kids

Cuchillo Negro Creek is a stream in Sierra County, New Mexico. A stream is like a small river. This creek flows into the Rio Grande, which is a much larger and famous river.

Cuchillo Negro Creek: A New Mexico Stream

Cuchillo Negro Creek is an important waterway in New Mexico. It helps carry water from smaller areas into the mighty Rio Grande.

Where Does Cuchillo Negro Creek Begin and End?

The creek starts where two smaller streams, Poverty Creek and Schoolhouse Canyon, meet. This spot is near a town called Winston. It's also close to New Mexico State Road 52 and the Sierra Cuchillo mountains. From there, Cuchillo Negro Creek flows south and then southeast. It passes by small communities like Chise and Cuchillo. The creek continues its journey, going northeast of the Mud Springs Mountains. It even flows under a big highway called I-25. Finally, Cuchillo Negro Creek joins the Rio Grande. This meeting point is near New Mexico State Road 51. It's also close to the town of Truth or Consequences and just below the huge Elephant Butte Dam.

What's the Story Behind the Name?

The name "Cuchillo Negro Creek" comes from a famous Apache chief. His name was Cuchillo Negro, which means "black knife" in Spanish. The creek was named in his honor.