Frozen Run facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Frozen Run |
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Frozen Run near its mouth
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | pond in Hemlock Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania |
| River mouth | Hemlock Creek in Hemlock Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania 535 ft (163 m) |
| Length | 3.2 mi (5.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Hemlock Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 3.55 sq mi (9.2 km2) |
Frozen Run is a small stream located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into Hemlock Creek. The stream is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and runs through Hemlock Township. The area that drains water into the stream, known as its watershed, covers about 3.55 square miles (9.2 km2).
Frozen Run flows through a valley called Frosty Valley. It is known as a "coldwater fishery," which means its waters are cool enough for certain types of fish, like trout. Some parts of the stream's watershed are affected by siltation, which is when too much dirt and sediment gets into the water.
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Where Frozen Run Flows
Frozen Run starts in a small pond in Hemlock Township. It flows south for a short distance in a valley. Then, it turns southeast and enters a wider area known as Frosty Valley.
In Frosty Valley, the stream turns east. It continues flowing for a few miles. Finally, Frozen Run joins Hemlock Creek near the community of Buckhorn. Frozen Run meets Hemlock Creek about 2.26 miles (3.64 km) before Hemlock Creek reaches its own end.
Smaller Streams Joining Frozen Run
Frozen Run has several smaller, unnamed streams that flow into it. These are like tiny branches that feed into the main stream.
Water and Land Around the Stream
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has noted that some parts of Frozen Run and its smaller streams are affected by siltation. This happens when too much dirt and mud wash into the water, often from farms. About 2.4 miles (3.9 km) of the streams in this area are impacted by this issue.
The water in Frozen Run is usually around 68 °F (20 °C). The stream itself is fairly narrow, typically between 5 feet (1.5 m) and 10 feet (3.0 m) wide. Near where it joins Hemlock Creek, Frozen Run is about 535 feet (163 m) above sea level.
The stream mostly flows over a type of rock called the Mahantango Formation. Some parts also flow over other rock types, like the Harrell Formation. Frozen Run is located in Frosty Valley and is close to a geological feature called the Lightstreet Fault.
The Area Around Frozen Run
The entire area that collects water for Frozen Run, its watershed, is about 3.55 square miles (9.2 km2). Areas within this watershed that are prone to flooding are mostly left undeveloped. This helps protect people and buildings from flood damage.
Why it's Called Frozen Run
Frozen Run gets its name because the stream is known to freeze over sometimes during cold weather. A book from 1997 even mentioned Frozen Run as having one of the most interesting stream names in Pennsylvania!
Animals Living in Frozen Run
Frozen Run is home to a good number of chubs, which are a type of fish. Some people also believe that trout might live in the stream. Because its waters are cold and clean, Frozen Run is officially recognized as a "coldwater fishery." This means it's a good place for fish that prefer cooler water.
Near the very beginning of Frozen Run, there are areas with wet, forested ground called "seeps." These spots might be home to special plants and animals.
