Horton Creek (Oxbow Creek tributary) facts for kids

Horton Creek is a small stream, also called a tributary, in Pennsylvania, USA. It flows through parts of Susquehanna County and Wyoming County. This creek is about 3.3 miles (5.3 kilometers) long. It eventually flows into Oxbow Creek. The area of land that drains into Horton Creek is about 3.60 square miles (9.3 square kilometers). The water in Horton Creek is clean and healthy.

Where Does Horton Creek Flow?

Horton Creek starts in a wetland in Springville Township, Susquehanna County. A wetland is a marshy area where the ground is often wet. From there, it flows south-southeast for a short distance. It then enters a lake and leaves Susquehanna County.

Horton Creek's Journey Through Wyoming County

After leaving Susquehanna County, Horton Creek enters Wyoming County. It flows along the edge between Lemon Township and Nicholson Township. The creek flows south from the lake for a bit. Then, it turns towards the south-southeast. For the next part of its journey, it flows through a valley. This valley passes by two hills called Seely Hill and Vargo Hill.

The creek then turns south-southwest. It leaves the township line and enters Lemon Township fully. After that, it turns south-southeast again for a short distance. It reaches the end of its valley and turns east-southeast. Finally, the creek turns south-southwest one last time. Here, it joins Oxbow Creek. Horton Creek meets Oxbow Creek about 1.50 miles (2.41 kilometers) before Oxbow Creek ends.

How Clean is Horton Creek's Water?

The water in Horton Creek is considered very clean. It is not listed as an "impaired waterbody." This means the water quality is good and supports healthy plant and animal life.

What is the Land Around Horton Creek Like?

The land around Horton Creek varies in height. The lowest point, where the creek meets Oxbow Creek, is about 860 feet (262 meters) above sea level. The highest point, where the creek begins, is between 1,120 and 1,140 feet (341 and 347 meters) above sea level.

Rocks and Soil Around the Creek

The ground along the lower parts of Horton Creek is mostly made of alluvium. Alluvium is a type of soil left behind by flowing water. The valley of the creek is also lined with a type of till called Wisconsinan Till. Till is a mix of clay, sand, and rocks left by glaciers. Near the mouth of the creek, you can also find patches of alluvial terrace. These are flat areas formed by old river deposits. There is also something called Wisconsinan Ice-Contact Stratified Drift. This is material left by melting glaciers.

In the upper parts of the creek, the ground right next to the water is also alluvium. However, most of the rest of the valley in this area is Wisconsinan Till. You can also find two wetland areas near the creek in its upper reaches.

What is Horton Creek's Watershed?

The watershed of Horton Creek covers an area of 3.60 square miles (9.3 square kilometers). A watershed is all the land where water drains into a specific river or stream. The mouth of the creek is located in the Tunkhannock area. This is part of a map section called a quadrangle by the United States Geological Survey. The source of the creek is in the Springville quadrangle. The mouth of the creek is also very close to a place called St. Andrews Camp.

A Brief History of Horton Creek

Horton Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States. Its special ID number in the system is 1177475.

In 2004, a plan was approved to replace a bridge over Horton Creek. This bridge carries State Route 1008 in Lemon Township, Wyoming County. The project was authorized to cost $260,000.