Little Nescopeck Creek A facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Nescopeck Creek |
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|---|---|
| Other name(s) | Little Nescopeck Creek A |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Crystal Lake in Bear Creek Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania between 1,940 and 1,960 feet (590 and 600 m) |
| River mouth | Nescopeck Creek in Dennison Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 1,099 ft (335 m) 41°05′23″N 75°51′00″W / 41.0896°N 75.8499°W |
| Length | 8.2 mi (13.2 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Nescopeck Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 10.7 sq mi (28 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Little Nescopeck Creek is a small river, or tributary, in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It flows into a larger river called Nescopeck Creek. This creek is about 8.2 miles (13.2 km) long. It travels through three different areas: Bear Creek Township, Fairview Township, and Dennison Township.
The area of land that drains water into Little Nescopeck Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 10.7 square miles (28 km2). The creek has one main smaller stream that flows into it, named Conety Run.
Little Nescopeck Creek is special because it is a "Coldwater Fishery." This means its waters are cold enough for certain fish, like trout, to live there. It's also known as "Class A Wild Trout Waters" in some parts. This means it's a great place for wild trout to thrive! The creek can sometimes cause flooding in Dennison Township, especially after heavy rains.
Little Nescopeck Creek shares its name with another river in southern Luzerne County.
Contents
Where Does Little Nescopeck Creek Flow?
Little Nescopeck Creek starts in a place called Crystal Lake in Bear Creek Township. It flows south for a short distance. Along the way, it passes by several swamps and ponds. Then, it makes a sharp turn to the east, and after that, it heads southeast.
After flowing for a bit, the creek leaves Bear Creek Township. It briefly goes through Fairview Township before entering Dennison Township. Further downstream, the creek turns north for a short distance. Then it turns south again. It flows down a place called Stony Cabin Ridge.
After about 1.5 miles (2.4 km), the creek reaches the bottom of the ridge. It then turns west-southwest and enters a valley. It flows for more than a mile before turning south-southwest. Then it turns southwest and crosses a road called Pennsylvania Route 437.
A bit further downstream, the creek meets Conety Run. This is its only named tributary. Conety Run flows into Little Nescopeck Creek from the right side. The creek then turns south, then southwest, and then south again. Finally, it turns southwest and joins the larger Nescopeck Creek.
Conety Run: A Smaller Stream
Conety Run is the only named tributary of Little Nescopeck Creek. It joins Little Nescopeck Creek about 1.00 mile (1.61 km) before Little Nescopeck Creek meets Nescopeck Creek. The land area that drains into Conety Run is about 2.32 square miles (6.0 km2).
Water Quality and Flow
The water in Little Nescopeck Creek is generally healthy. The pH level, which tells us how acidic or basic the water is, usually ranges from 5.8 to 7. This is a good range for aquatic life.
The amount of water flowing in the creek can change a lot. This is called its discharge. For example, there's a 10 percent chance that the creek's flow at its mouth will reach 1,184 cubic feet per second (33.5 m3/s) in any given year. This means it's likely to happen about once every 10 years. For bigger floods, there's a 1 percent chance the flow could reach 2,563 cubic feet per second (72.6 m3/s). This kind of flood might happen about once every 100 years.
Land and Rocks Around the Creek
The land around Little Nescopeck Creek changes as you go along its path. Near where the creek joins Nescopeck Creek, the ground is mostly made of alluvium. This is a type of soil left behind by flowing water. You can also find a type of rocky soil called Wisconsinan Till. This was left by glaciers a long time ago.
Some areas also have bedrock that is made of sandstone and shale. These are types of rocks. In the upper parts of the creek, near where it starts, you'll find more alluvium and bedrock. There are also several wetlands and lakes near the creek's beginning.
The Creek's Watershed
The watershed of Little Nescopeck Creek covers an area of 10.7 square miles (28 km2). This is the entire area where rain and snow melt will eventually flow into the creek. Most of the land (more than 80 percent) within 100 feet (30 m) of the creek is forested. This means it's covered in trees. A small amount (less than 10 percent) is used for agriculture, like farms.
Some land in the watershed is owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This land is often used for wildlife and outdoor activities. In the upper parts of the watershed, you can find swamps like Jimmy Kane Swamp and Long Swamp. Crystal Lake is also in this area.
As mentioned before, Little Nescopeck Creek is one of the main causes of flooding in Dennison Township. This happens when heavy rains make the creek overflow its banks.
History of Little Nescopeck Creek
Little Nescopeck Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names for places like rivers and mountains.
The creek has experienced several big floods over the years. One major flood happened in June 1972, caused by Tropical Storm Agnes. Other significant floods occurred in September 1924 and May 1942. These events show how powerful the creek can become during very heavy rainfall.
Animals and Life in the Creek
Little Nescopeck Creek is known as a Coldwater Fishery. This means its cool waters are perfect for certain fish. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission also calls part of it "Class A Wild Trout Waters." This special designation applies from an unnamed smaller stream (about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from its mouth) all the way to where it joins Nescopeck Creek. It means that wild trout live and reproduce naturally in these waters.
