Little River (Canadian River tributary) facts for kids
The Little River is a river in central Oklahoma, United States. It is about 90 miles (145 kilometers) long. A river that flows into a larger river is called a tributary. The Little River is a tributary of the Canadian River.
The water from the Little River eventually joins the Arkansas River and then the mighty Mississippi River. This means the Little River is part of the huge watershed of the Mississippi River. A watershed is like a giant bowl where all the rain and snowmelt collect and flow into one main river.
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Where Does the Little River Start and Flow?
The Little River begins near the city of Moore. This is in the northwestern part of Cleveland County. From there, it flows mostly towards the southeast.
The river travels through several counties in Oklahoma. These include Pottawatomie, Seminole, and Hughes counties.
Joining a Bigger River
Finally, the Little River meets the Canadian River. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) south of a town called Holdenville.
How People Use the Little River
People use the Little River in different ways. One important use is for water supply.
Lake Thunderbird: A Big Reservoir
In Cleveland County, the river has a dam built across it. This dam creates a large lake called Lake Thunderbird. A dam is a barrier that stops or restricts the flow of water. Lake Thunderbird is a reservoir, which means it stores water for people to use.
River Changes for Better Flow
After the water flows out of Lake Thunderbird, some parts of the river have been changed. These sections have been straightened and made wider. This process is called channelization. It helps the water flow more easily.
River Flow Measurement
Near Saskwa, scientists measure how much water flows in the river. On average, about 360 cubic feet (10 cubic meters) of water flow past this point every second. This measurement helps us understand the river's health and how much water it carries.
