Gravois Creek facts for kids
Gravois Creek is a cool stream located in south central Morgan County, Missouri. It flows into the famous Lake of the Ozarks, which is part of the Osage River system.
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Gravois Creek: A Missouri Stream
Gravois Creek is an important natural waterway in Missouri. It plays a role in the local environment and contributes to the large Lake of the Ozarks. Understanding streams like Gravois Creek helps us learn about the natural world around us.
Where Does Gravois Creek Start?
Every stream has a beginning, and for Gravois Creek, it starts in Morgan County, Missouri. Its starting point, called the "headwaters," is found on the east side of Missouri Route 135. This spot is about 3.5 miles south of a town named Stover. At its very beginning, the land is quite high, around 1100 feet above sea level.
Gravois Creek's Journey
From its high starting point, Gravois Creek begins its flow. It travels generally towards the east and then the southeast. Along its path, the stream passes under another important road, Missouri Route 5. Its journey ends when it flows into the beautiful waters of the Lake of the Ozarks. This happens near a town called Gravois Mills. At this point, where the creek meets the lake, the water is about 663 feet above sea level.
What Does "Gravois" Mean?
The name "Gravois Creek" has an interesting history! It comes from a French word, "gravois." This word means "rubbish" or "gravel." The stream was given this name because its streambed, or the bottom of the creek, has a lot of gravel in it. So, the name perfectly describes one of the creek's main features!
Gravois Creek Before the Lake
Today, Gravois Creek flows into the Lake of the Ozarks. But before this large lake was created by building a dam, the creek had a different path. In the past, Gravois Creek used to join directly with the Osage River. This meeting point was further downstream, about eight miles southeast of Gravois Mills. At that time, the elevation where the creek met the river was about 490 feet. The creation of the Lake of the Ozarks changed how many streams, including Gravois Creek, connect to the larger river system.
