Indian Creek (Youghiogheny River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Indian Creek |
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Location of Indian Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Youghiogheny River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Pennsylvania |
| County | Fayette Westmoreland |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Shafer Run and Loyalhanna Creek divide about 5 miles southeast of Kregar, Pennsylvania 2,560 ft (780 m) 40°06′24″N 079°13′38″W / 40.10667°N 79.22722°W |
| River mouth | Youghiogheny River Indian Creek, Pennsylvania 945 ft (288 m) 39°58′05″N 079°30′46″W / 39.96806°N 79.51278°W |
| Length | 29.55 mi (47.56 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | generally southwest |
| River system | Monongahela River |
| Basin size | 124.88 square miles (323.4 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Waterbodies | Mill Run Reservoir |
Indian Creek is a river about 31.0-mile-long (49.9 km) in Pennsylvania, United States. It's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one, which makes it a tributary of the Youghiogheny River. This creek is found in Fayette County and Westmoreland County.
Indian Creek helps drain, or carry water away from, the western side of Laurel Hill. This area is part of the Laurel Highlands, a beautiful region known for its mountains and forests. The creek carves a deep valley as it flows into the Youghiogheny River, joining it between the towns of Ohiopyle and Connellsville.
Contents
Where Indian Creek Begins
Indian Creek starts high up in the mountains, about 2,560 ft (780 m) above sea level. Its journey begins where two smaller streams, Shafer Run and the Loyalhanna Creek divide, meet. This spot is located about 5 miles southeast of a place called Kregar, Pennsylvania.
Indian Creek's Journey
From its starting point, Indian Creek generally flows towards the southwest. It travels through forests and valleys, picking up water from many smaller streams along the way. The creek's path is quite steep as it cuts through the landscape.
Where Indian Creek Ends
After flowing for nearly 30 mi (48 km), Indian Creek reaches its end. It empties into the Youghiogheny River near a town also named Indian Creek, Pennsylvania. At this point, the creek is about 945 ft (288 m) above sea level. The Youghiogheny River then flows into the Monongahela River, which is part of an even larger river system.
The Indian Creek Watershed
The area of land that drains into Indian Creek is called its watershed or basin. This watershed covers about 124.88 sq mi (323.4 km2). All the rain and snow that falls within this area eventually flows into Indian Creek. This is why keeping the watershed healthy is important for the creek's water quality.
Smaller Streams Joining Indian Creek
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, feed into Indian Creek, adding to its flow.
- On its left side, you'll find streams like Little Run, Camp Run, Roaring Run, Back Creek, Laurel Run, and Mill Run.
- On its right side, tributaries include Champion Creek, Wash Run, Poplar Run, Rasler Run, Richter Run, and Tates Run.
One important water body in the watershed is the Mill Run Reservoir, which is a lake formed by damming Mill Run.
