Knife River facts for kids
The Knife River is a river in North Dakota, United States. It is about 120 miles (193 km) long. The Knife River is a "tributary," which means it is a smaller river that flows into a larger one. In this case, it flows into the mighty Missouri River.
The name "Knife" comes from a Native American name for the river, which was later translated into English.
Contents
Journey of the Knife River
The Knife River begins its journey in western North Dakota. It starts in the Killdeer Mountains, which are located in Billings County.
River's Path
From its source, the river flows generally eastward. Along its way, it is joined by another stream called Spring Creek, near the town of Beulah.
The Knife River finally meets the Missouri River north of Stanton. This meeting point is a special place called the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.
Nature and Wildlife
The land around the Knife River valley is mostly covered in natural grasslands. These grasslands are home to many different kinds of animals.
Animals You Might See
You can find many types of wildlife living near the river. Some common animals include:
- Whitetail Deer
- Mule Deer
- Coyote
- Fox
- Native Grouse
- Pheasant
Local Farms and Ranches
Many smaller streams that feed into the Knife River support local farms and ranches. Some of these farms have been owned by the same families for over 100 years!
River Flow and Flooding
The Knife River's water levels change a lot throughout the year.
Spring Floods
After the snow melts in the spring, the river often floods. The water can rise very high, sometimes flowing as fast as 10,000 cubic feet per second.
Summer Levels
During the summer months, the river's flow is much lower. It can be two to three times less than during the spring floods.
River's Mouth Changes
In 2011, a big flood on the Missouri River caused sand to block where the Knife River met the Missouri. However, by the summer of 2012, the Knife River had carved a new path for itself.
Near the town of Hazen, the Knife River's average flow is about 171 cubic feet per second.
