Elk River (West Virginia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Elk River |
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Elk River in Charleston.
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A map of the Elk River and its watershed.
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| Country | United States |
| State | West Virginia |
| Counties | Pocahontas, Randolph, Webster, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Old Field Fork Elk Mountain, Pocahontas County 3,557 ft (1,084 m) 38°18′24″N 80°06′18″W / 38.30667°N 80.10500°W |
| 2nd source | Big Spring Fork Pocahontas County 3,655 ft (1,114 m) 38°22′32″N 80°00′34″W / 38.37556°N 80.00944°W |
| River mouth | Kanawha River Charleston 574 ft (175 m) 38°21′18″N 81°38′42″W / 38.35500°N 81.64500°W |
| Length | 172 mi (277 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Elk River is a river in West Virginia, United States. It's about 172 miles (277 km) long. The Elk River is a tributary of the Kanawha River. This means it flows into the Kanawha River. From there, its water eventually reaches the Ohio River and then the mighty Mississippi River.
Contents
Journey of the Elk River
The Elk River begins in the Allegheny Mountains in Pocahontas County. It forms when two smaller streams, the Big Spring Fork and the Old Field Fork, join together near a place called Slatyfork.
Underground Flow
For several miles, the Elk River flows above ground. But then, it disappears into a network of underground caves! It flows hidden for more than five miles. The old riverbed, made of solid rock, stays above ground in this area. People call this section "The Dries."
River's Path
The river generally flows west across the Allegheny Plateau. It passes through several counties:
Along its journey, the Elk River flows past towns like Webster Springs, Sutton, Gassaway, Clay, Clendenin, and Elkview. Finally, it joins the Kanawha River in Charleston.
Sutton Lake
Near the town of Sutton, a large concrete dam was built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers. This dam causes the Elk River to widen and form a big lake called Sutton Lake.
Main Branches
The two largest streams that flow into the Elk River are the Holly River and the Birch River. Both of these join the Elk River in Braxton County.
Fishing and Water Supply
The upper part of the river, above Sutton Lake, is a great place for fishing. Many people enjoy catching trout there. Below Sutton Lake, the river flows faster and is known for different kinds of fish, like muskellunge, walleye, and smallmouth bass. The Elk River is also very important because it provides water for many homes and businesses in central and southwestern West Virginia through a long pipeline system.
Why is it called Elk River?
The river's name most likely comes from the Native American people who lived in the area long ago. They probably saw many elk living near the stream, which led them to name the river after these animals.
Other Names for the River
Over time, the Elk River has been known by several other names. These names were recorded by the Geographic Names Information System:
- Pe-quo-ni
- Pe-quo-ni-cepe
- Pequoni
- Tis-chil-waugh
- Tiskelewah
- Tiskelwah
- To-que-man
- To-qui-min-cepe
Important Events
Chemical Spill in 2014
In January 2014, there was a chemical spill into the Elk River. A chemical used in the coal-preparation process leaked into the water. This event caused a big problem for people living in nine counties of West Virginia. Authorities had to provide bottled water to about 300,000 people because their tap water was not safe to drink.
Scientists were also worried about a very rare fish called the diamond darter. This fish is only known to live in the Elk River, and people were concerned about how the chemical spill might affect it.
Images for kids
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The Elk River near its mouth in Charleston in 2001
