Deep Creek (Great Salt Lake) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Deep Creek |
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Location of the mouth of Deep Creek in Utah
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah, Idaho |
| Counties | Box Elder County, Utah, Oneida County, Idaho |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | north of Holbrook, Oneida County, Idaho 5,339 ft (1,627 m) 42°21′40″N 112°35′41″W / 42.36111°N 112.59472°W |
| River mouth | Great Salt Lake southeast of Kelton, Box Elder County, Utah 4,206 ft (1,282 m) 41°41′42″N 113°00′26″W / 41.69500°N 113.00722°W |
| Length | 73 mi (117 km) |
Deep Creek is a cool river that flows for about 73 miles (117 kilometers) through parts of Idaho and Utah. It's like a long, winding path of water that eventually joins the famous Great Salt Lake. This river starts high up in the mountains of Idaho and makes its way south, passing through different towns and valleys before reaching its final destination.
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The Journey of Deep Creek
Deep Creek begins its adventure in Oneida County, Idaho, north of a town called Holbrook. Imagine a tiny stream forming at an elevation of about 5,339 feet (1,627 meters) above sea level. That's pretty high up! From there, the water starts to flow downhill, gathering more water as it goes.
Flowing Through States
As Deep Creek grows, it crosses the border from Idaho into Box Elder County, Utah. This means the river travels through two different states on its way to the Great Salt Lake. It's a great example of how natural features like rivers can connect different parts of a country.
Towns Along the Way
On its journey, Deep Creek passes by several small towns. After starting near Holbrook, it flows past Stone, Idaho, which is also in Idaho. Then, as it enters Utah, it goes through Snowville, Utah. These towns often rely on the river for various things, like water for farms or just enjoying the natural beauty.
The Curlew Valley
One important area Deep Creek flows through is the Curlew Valley. This valley stretches across both Idaho and Utah. The river helps to make the land fertile in this area, which is important for farming and local wildlife. It's a vital part of the valley's ecosystem.
Where Deep Creek Ends
After its long journey, Deep Creek finally reaches its mouth, which is the place where a river flows into another body of water. For Deep Creek, this is the Great Salt Lake. The mouth is located southeast of a place called Kelton, Utah, in Box Elder County, Utah.
Joining the Great Salt Lake
When Deep Creek reaches the Great Salt Lake, it's at a much lower elevation, about 4,206 feet (1,282 meters) above sea level. This difference in elevation from its source is what makes the water flow. The Great Salt Lake is a very unique place, known for its high salt content. Rivers like Deep Creek are important because they bring fresh water into the lake, even though the lake itself is salty.
Why Deep Creek is Important
Deep Creek might not be one of the biggest rivers in the world, but it's very important to the areas it flows through. It provides water for the land, supports local plants and animals, and is a key part of the natural water system that feeds into the Great Salt Lake. Rivers like Deep Creek are like the veins of the land, bringing life and connecting different regions.
