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Dry Creek (Crooked Creek tributary) facts for kids

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Dry Creek
Dry Creek (Crooked Creek tributary) is located in Oregon
Dry Creek (Crooked Creek tributary)
Location of the mouth of Dry Creek in Oregon
Country United States
State Oregon
County Malheur
Physical characteristics
Main source near Five Points
5,000 ft (1,500 m)
42°30′31″N 117°17′44″W / 42.50861°N 117.29556°W / 42.50861; -117.29556
River mouth Crooked Creek
near Burns Junction
3,570 ft (1,090 m)
42°47′42″N 117°44′47″W / 42.79500°N 117.74639°W / 42.79500; -117.74639
Length 54 mi (87 km)
Basin features
Basin size 299 sq mi (770 km2)

Dry Creek is a stream in the state of Oregon, USA. It is about 54 miles (87 kilometers) long. This creek is special because it is "intermittent." This means it does not always have water flowing in it. Sometimes it can be dry, especially during hot weather. Dry Creek starts in the desert of Malheur County. It then flows into another creek called Crooked Creek.

About Dry Creek

Dry Creek is a long stream that flows through a desert area in Oregon. It is a tributary, which means it flows into a larger stream. Dry Creek joins Crooked Creek near a place called Burns Junction. This area is in Malheur County.

The creek's water comes from a large area of land. This area is called its basin. Dry Creek's basin covers about 299 square miles (774 square kilometers).

Where Does Dry Creek Flow?

Dry Creek begins in the desert. Its source is near a spot known as Five Points. From there, it first flows north, then turns west. It crosses a flat area called Squaw Flat. This area is in southern Malheur County, close to the border with Nevada.

As it flows, other smaller streams join Dry Creek. Near a place called Garlow Butte, Coyote Creek flows into it. Further along, near Caviatta Ridge, Peacock Creek also joins. After Caviatta Ridge, Dry Creek turns north again. Here, Corbin Creek adds its water to Dry Creek.

The creek then flows through two reservoirs, which are like large ponds. These are Blevins Reservoir and Rockhouse Reservoir. After these, Dry Creek turns west one more time. Indian Fort Creek then joins it from the right side. Finally, Dry Creek turns north and meets Crooked Creek. This meeting point is just south of U.S. Route 95. It is about halfway between Burns Junction and Rome.

Tributaries of Dry Creek

Several smaller streams flow into Dry Creek. These are called its tributaries. They add water to Dry Creek as it flows through the desert.

  • Coyote Creek: This creek is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) long. It joins Dry Creek near Garlow Butte.
  • Peacock Creek: Peacock Creek is about 11 miles (18 kilometers) long. It drains an area of about 41 square miles (106 square kilometers). It joins Dry Creek near Caviatta Ridge.
  • Corbin Creek: This creek is about 15 miles (24 kilometers) long. Its basin covers roughly 38 square miles (98 square kilometers). Corbin Creek joins Dry Creek from the right side.
  • Indian Fort Creek: This is the longest tributary, at about 24 miles (39 kilometers) long. It flows through Scott Reservoir before joining Dry Creek. Its watershed, the area it drains, is about 47 square miles (122 square kilometers).
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