Mad River (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mad River |
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Location of the mouth of the Mad River in Washington
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| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Chelan |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Cascade Range 47°56′30″N 120°38′52″W / 47.94167°N 120.64778°W |
| River mouth | Entiat River 47°44′9″N 120°21′48″W / 47.73583°N 120.36333°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 92.4 sq mi (239 km2) |
The Mad River is a natural waterway located in the state of Washington in the United States. It begins high up in the Cascade Mountains. From there, it flows towards the southeast. The Mad River eventually joins another river called the Entiat River.
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What is the Mad River?
The Mad River is a smaller river that plays a part in a much larger water system. It is a tributary, which means it flows into a bigger river. The Entiat River, which the Mad River joins, then flows into the mighty Columbia River. This makes the Mad River part of the huge Columbia River basin. A basin is like a giant bowl where all the water collects and flows into one main river.
Where Does It Flow?
The journey of the Mad River starts in the rugged Cascade Range. These mountains are known for their tall peaks and beautiful forests. As the river travels, it moves through Chelan County. This county is in the central part of Washington state. The river's path ends when it meets the Entiat River. This meeting point is located in Chelan County as well.
Why Are Rivers Important?
Rivers like the Mad River are super important for many reasons. They provide fresh water for plants and animals. They also help shape the land over many years, creating valleys and canyons. Rivers are also home to many different kinds of fish and other wildlife. They are a vital part of Earth's natural environment.
The Mad River's Home
The area where the Mad River flows is known for its natural beauty. It is a place with mountains, forests, and other waterways. Understanding where a river is helps us learn more about its environment.
The Cascade Mountains
The Cascade Range is a major mountain range in western North America. It stretches from southern British Columbia in Canada down through Washington and Oregon to northern California in the United States. These mountains are known for their volcanoes, but also for their many rivers and streams. The Mad River gets its start from the snowmelt and rain in these mountains.
Chelan County
Chelan County is a large county in Washington state. It is famous for its beautiful lakes, including Lake Chelan. The county has a mix of mountains, forests, and some agricultural areas. The Mad River flows through a part of this county, adding to its natural water resources.
River Facts
The Mad River's water levels can change quite a bit. At a spot near Ardenvoir, about 0.4 river mile from its mouth, its flow has been measured. The lowest flow recorded was about 9 cubic feet per second. This is like 9 basketballs of water passing by every second. The highest flow recorded was much larger, around 659 cubic feet per second! On average, it flows at about 76.7 cubic feet per second. The area that drains into the Mad River, its basin, covers about 92.4 square miles.
