Fryingpan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fryingpan River |
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Fryingpan River below Ruedi Dam
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Map of Roaring Fork drainage basin, including the Fryingpan River
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| Country | United States |
| State | Colorado |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Near Mount Massive Hunter-Fryingpan Wilderness, Pitkin County 12,083 ft (3,683 m) 39°09′52″N 106°31′40″W / 39.16444°N 106.52778°W |
| River mouth | Roaring Fork River Basalt, Eagle County 6,591 ft (2,009 m) 39°22′00″N 107°02′03″W / 39.36667°N 107.03417°W |
| Length | 42 mi (68 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 237 sq mi (610 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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The Fryingpan River is a river in west-central Colorado, United States. It is about 42 miles (68 km) long. This river flows into the Roaring Fork River.
Contents
The River's Unique Name
Have you ever wondered how the Fryingpan River got its interesting name? It comes from an old story about some trappers.
A Story of Survival
Long ago, a group of trappers faced an attack by Ute Native Americans. Only two trappers survived the attack. One of them was hurt.
Finding the Way Back
The uninjured trapper left his wounded friend in a nearby cave. He went to get help. Before leaving, he hung a frying pan in a tree. This helped him find the cave again when he returned.
Where the Fryingpan River Flows
The Fryingpan River starts high in the mountains of Colorado. It flows through beautiful natural areas.
River's Beginning and Path
The river begins in northeastern Pitkin County. This area is part of the White River National Forest. It is also in the Sawatch Range, a group of mountains. The river starts on the western side of the Continental Divide. This is a line of mountains that separates where rivers flow. Rivers on one side flow to the Pacific Ocean. Rivers on the other side flow to the Atlantic Ocean.
The Fryingpan River flows west. It follows the border between Pitkin and Eagle County.
Ruedi Reservoir and Water Use
Further downstream, near Meredith, a dam holds back the river's water. This forms the Ruedi Reservoir. A reservoir is like a large, artificial lake. It stores water for different uses.
Some of the Fryingpan River's water is sent to the eastern side of the Continental Divide. This water is used for watering crops and for people to drink. This is done through a big project called the Fryingpan-Arkansas Project. Finally, the Fryingpan River joins the Roaring Fork River near Basalt.
