Little Thompson River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Little Thompson River |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
I-25 Service Rd., Johnstown vicinity National Register 10/15/2002, 5WL.2985 "Constructed over the Little Thompson River by Gardner Brothers in 1938, the bridge is associated with the development of US Hwy. 87 north of Denver. Subsequently becoming the route for today’s I-25, the highway served as a major north-south route, joining the major population centers along the western edge of Colorado’s high plains. Designed by the Colorado Department of Highways and fabricated by Midwest Steel & Iron Works, the single span rigid connected camelback pony truss runs for 104 feet"
|
|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 40°21′18″N 105°27′13″W / 40.35500°N 105.45361°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Big Thompson 4,724 ft (1,440 m) 40°20′26″N 104°50′37″W / 40.34056°N 104.84361°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Big Thompson— South Platte—Platte— Missouri—Mississippi |
The Little Thompson River is a river in Colorado, USA. It is a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. The Little Thompson River is a tributary of the Big Thompson River. This means its water eventually joins the Big Thompson River. From there, the water flows into the South Platte River.
Contents
Where the Little Thompson River Flows
The Little Thompson River starts high up in the Roosevelt National Forest. This is where its "headwaters" are, meaning its very beginning. It then flows towards the east.
Journey Through Colorado
The river travels through the lower hills of the Rocky Mountains. It passes through Larimer County. The river flows near the town of Berthoud, Colorado. It runs between the cities of Longmont to the south and Loveland to the north.
Finally, the Little Thompson River meets the Big Thompson River. This meeting point is close to where the Big Thompson River joins the South Platte River. This area is near the town of Greeley, Colorado.
River Facts and Features
The Little Thompson River is about 51.5 miles long. It starts at a high elevation and drops about 2,500 feet as it flows through the mountains. This drop happens over roughly 24 miles.
Waterfalls and Canyons
Along its path, the river has at least one waterfall that is about 15 feet tall. It also flows through many "granite box canyons." These are narrow valleys with steep, rocky sides made of granite. As of 2007, there were no man-made dams on the Little Thompson River. The river is part of a larger water system called the Colorado-Big Thompson Project. This project helps manage water resources in the region.
Fun on the River
The Little Thompson River is considered a "Class IV+" waterway. This means it is a challenging river for kayaking. Only very experienced kayakers should try to navigate it. Even then, it's usually only possible during the rainy spring season when the river is full of water, known as "flood stage."
River Wildlife
Many different kinds of fish live in the Little Thompson River. These include several types of trout.
Fish Species You Might Find
- Brook trout
- Mountain whitefish
- Rainbow trout
- Native Greenback cutthroat trout
- Sculpin
