Kiowa Creek (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kiowa Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 39°02′26″N 104°37′03″W / 39.04056°N 104.61750°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with the South Platte 4,383 ft (1,336 m) 40°20′11″N 104°05′23″W / 40.33639°N 104.08972°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
| Basin size | 729 sq mi (1,890 km2) |
Kiowa Creek is a stream in Colorado that stretches for about 123 miles (198 kilometers). It flows mainly towards the northeast. This creek eventually joins a much larger river called the South Platte River. You can find the end of Kiowa Creek in Morgan County, Colorado, close to a small town named Orchard.
Kiowa Creek: A Colorado Stream
Kiowa Creek is an important part of the water system in eastern Colorado. It helps carry water across the land. Even though it's a creek, it plays a role in the journey of water all the way to the ocean.
Where Does Kiowa Creek Begin and End?
Kiowa Creek starts in a wooded area known as the Black Forest. This forest is located in El Paso County, Colorado, northeast of the city of Colorado Springs. From there, the creek flows across a type of land called the Colorado Piedmont. The Piedmont is an area of gently sloping land between the mountains and the plains.
As it travels, Kiowa Creek collects water from a large area. This area, called its basin, covers about 729 square miles (1,888 square kilometers). The creek's journey ends when it flows into the South Platte River. The South Platte River is a major river in Colorado that eventually joins the Platte River, then the Missouri River, and finally the mighty Mississippi River, which flows into the Gulf of Mexico.
What is a Flash Flood?
Because Kiowa Creek flows through the Colorado Piedmont, it can sometimes experience sudden, powerful floods. These are called flash floods. A flash flood happens very quickly, often after heavy rainfall. The water level in the creek rises rapidly and can become dangerous. This is because the land in the Piedmont can be steep in places, and the soil might not absorb water very fast. It's important to be aware of weather conditions when near creeks like Kiowa Creek, especially during storms.
