Lake Run facts for kids

Lake Run is a small stream, also called a tributary, located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania. It flows into a larger stream called Roaring Brook. Lake Run is about 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long. It flows through a place called Covington Township.

The area of land that drains water into Lake Run is about 3.44 square miles (8.9 km²). Lake Run has one named smaller stream that flows into it, called Emerson Run. This stream is special because it is known as "Class A Wild Trout Waters." This means it's a great place for wild trout to live and reproduce naturally.

The Journey of Lake Run

Lake Run starts its journey in a lake called Henry Lake. This lake is found in the community of Eagle Lake, within Covington Township.

From Henry Lake, the stream flows towards the west and then turns north. It travels through a valley near Eagle Lake. Along the way, another stream, Emerson Run, joins Lake Run from its left side. After flowing for a bit longer, Lake Run eventually meets and joins Roaring Brook.

Lake Run joins Roaring Brook about 17.50 miles (28.16 km) before Roaring Brook reaches its own end.

Emerson Run: A Tributary

As mentioned, Lake Run has one important smaller stream that flows into it: Emerson Run. Emerson Run joins Lake Run about 0.84 miles (1.35 km) before Lake Run ends. The area of land that drains water into Emerson Run is about 1.58 square miles (4.1 km²).

Water Quality and Flow

The water in Lake Run has a certain level of alkalinity, which is a measure of how well the water can handle pollution. In Lake Run, the alkalinity is 15 milligrams per liter. Sometimes, rainwater from the Covington Industrial Park flows into the stream.

Land and Rocks Around the Stream

The land around the end of Lake Run is about 1,654 feet (504 m) above sea level. Where the stream begins at Henry Lake, the elevation is higher, around 1,900 feet (580 m) above sea level.

The ground and rocks around Lake Run are made up of different materials. Near the lower part of the stream, you can find solid bedrock made of different kinds of stone, like sandstone. There are also areas with sand and gravel pits. Further upstream, you might see large rocks that have rolled down hills, as well as wetlands and peat bogs, which are spongy, wet areas.

Lake Run's Water Basin

The entire area of land that collects and drains water into Lake Run is called its watershed. This watershed covers an area of 3.44 square miles (8.9 km²). Lake Run is located entirely within a specific map area called the Sterling quadrangle, as defined by the United States Geological Survey.

It's important to know that the lower 1.1 miles (1.8 km) of Lake Run flows through private land. This means that people cannot easily access this part of the stream.

Henry Lake: The Source

Henry Lake, where Lake Run begins, is part of the stream's watershed. This lake covers an area of 68 acres (28 ha). A dam called the Lake Henry Dam holds back the water in the lake.

History of Lake Run

Lake Run 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 identification number in this system is 1178786.

There was a plan for a utility line to cross some of the wet areas near Lake Run.

Amazing Aquatic Life

Lake Run is a very important place for fish. Wild trout naturally live and reproduce in parts of Lake Run. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has even given a section of the stream a special rating: "Class A Wild Trout Waters." This means it's an excellent habitat for both brook trout and brown trout. The stream is also considered a "High-Quality Coldwater Fishery," which means its cold, clean water is perfect for fish that need cool temperatures to thrive.