Dinkey Creek (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dinkey Creek |
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Map of the Kings River watershed, including Dinkey Creek
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Nevada 10,152 ft (3,094 m) 37°08′44″N 119°03′59″W / 37.14556°N 119.06639°W |
| River mouth | North Fork Kings River Balch Camp 1,240 ft (380 m) 36°54′08″N 119°07′21″W / 36.90222°N 119.12250°W |
| Length | 29.2 mi (47.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 132 sq mi (340 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Dinkey Creek is a cool stream in California, United States. It flows through Fresno County in the southern Sierra Nevada mountains. The creek is about 29 miles (47 km) long. It flows south without any dams, winding through the beautiful Sierra National Forest.
Dinkey Creek is a branch of the North Fork Kings River. This river system eventually flows into the area where Tulare Lake used to be.
Where Dinkey Creek Starts and Ends
Dinkey Creek begins high up in the mountains. It starts in a wild area called the Dinkey Lakes Wilderness. This spot is near the Three Sisters peaks, about 10,152 feet (3,094 m) above sea level.
The creek first flows southwest, tumbling over Dinkey Falls. Then, it turns south. It flows past the small community of Dinkey Creek. Along the way, it gets water from other smaller streams, like Deer Creek.
Finally, Dinkey Creek empties into the North Fork Kings River. This happens near a place called Balch Camp, at an elevation of about 1,240 feet (378 m).
How Dinkey Creek Got Its Name
The creek got its name in 1863. A group of hunters were camping there when a grizzly bear attacked them. Their brave dog, named Dinkey, tried to fight the bear to protect the hunters. Sadly, Dinkey was badly hurt.
One of the men was able to grab his gun and shoot the bear. To honor the dog's bravery, they named the nearby stream Dinkey Creek.
Dinkey Creek Hydroelectric Project
In 1978, there was a plan to build a power project on Dinkey Creek. This project was called the "Dinkey Creek Hydroelectric Project." It was proposed by the Kings River Conservation District.
The plan included building a very tall dam, about 380 feet (116 m) high. This dam would have created a large reservoir, holding about 90,000 acre-feet (111 million m³) of water. The project also planned for two power stations to make electricity.
However, the project was canceled in 1986, just two months before construction was supposed to start. This happened because PG&E, a power company, decided not to buy the electricity from the project. There were also delays due to environmental concerns. People were worried about how the project would affect the plants, animals, water, and outdoor activities in the area. Building a reservoir would have changed the natural community around Dinkey Creek.
