Luphers Run facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Luphers Run |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | large ridge in Beaver Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania 1,814 ft (553 m) |
| River mouth | Kern Run in Beavertown, Snyder County, Pennsylvania 584 ft (178 m) 40°45′08″N 77°10′38″W / 40.7523°N 77.1772°W |
| Length | 2.9 mi (4.7 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Kern Run → Middle Creek → Penns Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 1.79 sq mi (4.6 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Luphers Run is a small stream, also called a tributary, located in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. It flows into another stream called Kern Run. Luphers Run is about 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long. It travels through Beaver Township and the town of Beavertown.
The area of land that drains water into Luphers Run, known as its watershed, covers about 1.79 square miles (4.6 km2). Even though it's a small stream, Luphers Run is home to wild trout that reproduce naturally. A special kind of temporary pond, called a vernal pool, is also found nearby.
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Where Luphers Run Flows
Luphers Run starts high up on a big ridge in Beaver Township. It flows generally towards the north-northwest. After a short distance, another small stream joins it from the right side. This smaller stream comes from a place called Bear Spring.
The stream continues its journey north-northwest for more than a mile. It then reaches the bottom of the ridge. Here, Luphers Run turns towards the northwest. It flows for a short distance before entering Beavertown. In Beavertown, the stream turns north-northwest again. It crosses US Route 522 before joining with Kern Run. Luphers Run meets Kern Run about 1.34 miles (2.16 km) before Kern Run reaches its own end.
Stream Health and Water Quality
Luphers Run is considered an "impaired waterbody." This means its water quality isn't as good as it should be. The main problems are too many nutrients and not enough dissolved oxygen in the water. These issues can harm the plants and animals living in the stream.
The likely cause of these problems is treated wastewater released from a local facility. Also, the very beginning of the stream, called the headwaters, is affected by acid rain and low pH. Low pH means the water is more acidic, which can be bad for aquatic life.
Geography and the Land Around the Stream
The land around where Luphers Run joins Kern Run is about 584 feet (178 m) above sea level. Where Luphers Run begins, its source, the elevation is much higher, around 1,814 feet (553 m) above sea level.
The Luphers Run Watershed
The watershed of Luphers Run covers an area of 1.79 square miles (4.6 km2). The mouth of the stream is located in the United States Geological Survey map area called Beavertown. However, its source is in the map area known as Beaver Springs.
Luphers Run is important for aquatic life. This means it's a place where water-dwelling plants and animals are meant to thrive. Sometimes, flooding can happen along Luphers Run, especially in Beavertown and Beaver Township.
History of Luphers Run
Luphers Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of physical features like streams. Its special identification number is 1180080.
In the past, Luphers Run was used as a water supply for the town of Beavertown.
Animals and Nature
Wild trout live and naturally reproduce in Luphers Run. You can find them from the very beginning of the stream all the way to where it meets Kern Run.
Near Luphers Run, there's a special area called the Beavertown Vernal Pools. These are temporary ponds that fill with water in spring and dry up later in the year. They are very important habitats for certain animals. The vernal pools are listed on the Snyder County Natural Heritage Inventory, which means they are recognized as important natural areas.
