Downie River facts for kids
The Downie River is a small river located in Sierra County, California, in the United States. It flows for about 5.5 miles (8.9 kilometers) before joining a larger river. This river is an important part of the natural landscape in this mountainous region.
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What is the Downie River?
The Downie River is a short but important waterway. It is a "tributary," which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. The Downie River flows into the North Yuba River. This happens in a town called Downieville.
Where Does the River Start and End?
The Downie River begins in the Tahoe National Forest. It forms where two smaller streams meet. These streams are called the West Branch Downie River and Rattlesnake Creek. From there, the Downie River flows south. It continues its journey until it reaches the North Yuba River. Other small streams also flow into the Downie River. These include Lavezzola Creek and Pauley Creek.
How Did the River Get Its Name?
Both the Downie River and the town of Downieville are named after a person. His name was William Downie. He was a prospector from Scotland. A prospector is someone who searches for valuable minerals, like gold. William Downie settled in this area in the year 1850.
What is a River's Watershed?
Every river has an area of land around it called a "watershed." A watershed is like a big bowl. All the rain and snow that falls within this area drains into the river. The Downie River's watershed is quite large. It covers about 34 square miles (88 square kilometers). This mountainous watershed is located in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains.
