Little Creek (East Branch Tunkhannock Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Creek |
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | valley in Herrick Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania 1,710 feet (520 m) |
| River mouth | East Branch Tunkhannock Creek in Clifford Township, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania near Elkdale 1,345 feet (410 m) 41°41′43″N 75°31′29″W / 41.69536°N 75.52467°W |
| Length | 3.0 miles (4.8 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | East Branch Tunkhannock Creek → Tunkhannock Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 4.56 square miles (11.8 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Little Creek is a small stream located in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It flows into the East Branch Tunkhannock Creek. This creek is about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) (4.8 km) long. It travels through two townships: Herrick and Clifford. The area of land that drains into Little Creek, called its watershed, covers about 4.56 square miles (11.8 km2) (11.8 km2). Little Creek has one smaller stream that flows into it, named Tinker Hollow. It's also a special place because it's known as Class A Wild Trout Waters, meaning wild trout live and reproduce there naturally. The ground around the creek is mostly made of a type of soil called Wisconsinan Till and alluvium.
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Where Little Creek Flows
Little Creek starts in a valley in Herrick Township. It flows southwest for a short distance. Then, it passes through a small pond before turning south-southeast. After flowing for more than a mile, another small stream joins it from the left side.
The creek then turns south and enters Clifford Township. Further downstream, it turns southwest. Here, another stream called Tinker Hollow joins it from the left. Little Creek then begins to flow next to Tinker Hill. After a short journey, the creek turns southwest again. Finally, it meets the East Branch Tunkhannock Creek.
Little Creek is about 3.0 miles (4.8 km) (4.8 km) long. It joins the East Branch Tunkhannock Creek about 13.78 miles (22.18 km) (22.18 km) before that creek reaches its own end.
Tributaries of Little Creek
Little Creek has one main stream that flows into it. This stream is unofficially named Tinker Hollow. It gets its name from the valley it flows through. Tinker Hollow joins Little Creek about 0.60 miles (0.97 km) (0.97 km) upstream from its mouth. This meeting point is near a place called Burdick Corners. The area that drains into Tinker Hollow covers about 1.33 square miles (3.4 km2) (3.4 km2).
Creek's Surroundings
The land around the mouth of Little Creek is about 1,345 feet (410 m) (410 m) above sea level. Near where the creek begins, its source, the elevation is higher. It is about 1,710 feet (520 m) (521 m) above sea level.
The ground along the lower parts of Little Creek is mainly made of alluvium. This is soil deposited by flowing water. In the surrounding valley, there is also a type of till called Wisconsinan Till. This till was left behind by glaciers. Along the upper parts of the creek, the ground is mostly Wisconsinan Till.
The water in Little Creek has a certain amount of alkalinity. This means it has substances that can neutralize acids. The concentration of alkalinity in Little Creek is 45 milligrams per liter (0.045 oz/cu ft).
Little Creek's Watershed
The watershed of Little Creek covers an area of 4.56 square miles (11.8 km2) (11.8 km2). A watershed is all the land where water drains into a particular creek or river. Little Creek is entirely located within a specific map area. This map area is called the Clifford quadrangle by the United States Geological Survey. The mouth of the creek is located near a place called Elkdale.
A pipeline also crosses Little Creek in its lower sections.
History of Little Creek
Little Creek 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 1179516.
A bridge was built over Little Creek in Clifford Township in 1953. This bridge carries State Route 2029 and is made of steel. It is about 23.0 feet (7.0 m) (7.0 m) long.
Wildlife in Little Creek
Wild trout naturally live and reproduce in Little Creek. They can be found from the very beginning of the creek all the way to its mouth. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has given Little Creek a special classification. It is known as Class A Wild Trout Waters for brook trout. This means it's a very important place for these fish.
The entire watershed of Little Creek is also known as a Coldwater Fishery. This means the water is cold enough for fish like trout to thrive. The creek's current use is considered "Exceptional Value waters." This means it is a very high-quality water body.
