Lithia Springs Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lithia Springs Creek |
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Lithia Springs Creek looking upstream
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| Other name(s) | Johnsons Run, Lithia Spring Creek |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Montour Ridge in Point Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania between 700 and 720 ft (210 and 220 m) |
| River mouth | Susquehanna River in Point Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania 436 ft (133 m) 40°54′19″N 76°45′53″W / 40.9052°N 76.7647°W |
| Length | 3.2 mi (5.1 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 8.96 sq mi (23.2 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Lithia Springs Creek is a small river in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, USA. It's also known as Johnsons Run or Lithia Spring Creek. The creek is about 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and flows through Point Township. The area that drains into the creek, called its watershed, is about 8.96 square miles (23.2 km2). Lithia Springs Creek has one main branch, or tributary, named Johnson Creek. This creek is a special place for fish, including wild trout, and is known as a Coldwater Fishery.
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Where Does Lithia Springs Creek Flow?
Lithia Springs Creek starts on Montour Ridge in Point Township, near Hookies Road. It flows south and then turns southeast, picking up water from a small, unnamed stream. The creek then turns north and west again, where it meets Johnson Creek, its only named tributary.
After that, the creek flows west for a short distance before turning south for more than a mile. It passes by the community of Lithia Springs. Then, it turns west and southwest, crossing under US Route 11. Finally, Lithia Springs Creek joins the large Susquehanna River. The creek meets the Susquehanna River about 127.82 miles (205.71 km) upstream from the Susquehanna's mouth.
What Are the Tributaries of Lithia Springs Creek?
Lithia Springs Creek has one named tributary called Johnson Creek. It also has several smaller, unnamed streams that flow into it. Johnson Creek joins Lithia Springs Creek about 1.64 miles (2.64 km) upstream from where Lithia Springs Creek meets the Susquehanna River. The area that drains into Johnson Creek is about 4.09 square miles (10.6 km2).
Understanding the Creek's Geography
The lowest point of Lithia Springs Creek, where it meets the Susquehanna River, is 436 feet (133 m) above sea level. The highest point, where the creek begins, is between 700 feet (210 m) and 720 feet (220 m) above sea level.
The creek's source is on Montour Ridge. There are also natural dips in the land, called swales, and channels for stormwater in the area. Lithia Springs Creek flows into the Susquehanna River on its right bank.
Sometimes, water from the Lithia Spring Sewer Project flows into Lithia Springs Creek and its tributary, Johnson Creek. Also, the Tulpehocken Water Company releases some water from its operations into an unnamed stream that flows into Lithia Springs Creek.
The Creek's Watershed
The watershed of Lithia Springs Creek covers an area of 8.96 square miles (23.2 km2). Both the beginning and end of the creek are located in the Northumberland area, according to the United States Geological Survey.
There is an industrial area near Lithia Springs Creek that belongs to the North Shore Railroad Company. This area could potentially grow in the future. Some land near the creek, especially in the community of Lithia Springs, has homes built on it, and there's a chance for more homes to be built there.
A Look at the Creek's History
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission might have added fish to Lithia Springs Creek for a short time. This is known as fish stocking.
In 1960, a small dam was built on Lithia Springs Creek. It was made of concrete and was 5 feet (1.5 m) tall. Its purpose was to help with the local water supply. However, this dam was later taken down because of money and safety concerns. Removing the dam actually helped improve the water quality of the creek.
Lithia Springs Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979.
A modern bridge was built over Lithia Springs Creek in 1991. This bridge is 47.9 feet (14.6 m) long and carries Point Township Road T-702. In the past, there was a building belonging to a water company near the creek, but it is no longer there. In the 1960s, there was also a plan to build a sewage treatment plant on the creek.
Amazing Animals: Fish in the Creek
Wild trout naturally live and reproduce in Lithia Springs Creek. They can be found from the upper parts of the creek down to the bridge that carries US Route 11. These trout live in about 1.79 miles (2.88 km) of the creek. Because of this, the creek is on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's list of wild trout streams.
Lithia Springs Creek is known as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery, meaning it's a good place for fish that prefer cold water and for fish that travel to different areas. People have also seen and caught small shiners and creek chubs in the creek.
