Middle Creek (Schwaben Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Creek |
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Middle Creek looking upstream
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | valley north of Hooflander Mountain in Washington Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania 817 ft (249 m) |
| River mouth | Schwaben Creek in Washington Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania 551 ft (168 m) 40°43′18″N 76°44′09″W / 40.7216°N 76.7357°W |
| Length | 3.5 mi (5.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Schwaben Creek → Mahanoy Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 3.28 sq mi (8.5 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Middle Creek is a small stream, also called a tributary, that flows into Schwaben Creek. You can find it in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It's about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. This creek flows through a place called Washington Township. The area of land that drains into Middle Creek, known as its watershed, is about 3.28 square miles (8.5 km2).
Middle Creek is known as a "Trout Stocked Fishery." This means it's a good place for trout fish, and sometimes new trout are added to the creek.
Contents
Where Does Middle Creek Flow?
Middle Creek starts in a valley. This valley is located north of Hooflander Mountain in Washington Township. At first, it flows towards the west-southwest. Then, it changes direction. It turns to flow west-northwest and then north. This path takes it away from Hooflander Mountain.
As it flows, other smaller streams join Middle Creek. One unnamed stream joins from the right side. The creek continues flowing north for more than a mile. Along this path, it gets water from three more unnamed streams. One joins from the left, and two more join from the right.
Next, Middle Creek turns west for a short distance. Another unnamed stream joins it from the left. Finally, it turns northwest. After a short journey, Middle Creek meets and joins Schwaben Creek. Middle Creek flows into Schwaben Creek about 3.70 miles (5.95 km) before Schwaben Creek reaches its own end.
Why Is Middle Creek Important?
Middle Creek is part of a larger system of waterways. It flows into Schwaben Creek. Schwaben Creek then flows into Mahanoy Creek. From there, the water goes into the Susquehanna River. The Susquehanna River is a very big river that eventually empties into the Chesapeake Bay. So, Middle Creek's water eventually reaches the Chesapeake Bay.
What Is the Water Quality Like?
Middle Creek is listed as an "impaired waterbody." This means its water quality isn't as good as it should be. There are a few reasons for this.
- Too much dirt: One problem is siltation. This means there's too much dirt and tiny bits of rock in the water. This can make the water cloudy and cover the bottom, which is bad for fish and other creatures.
- Not enough oxygen: Another issue is low dissolved oxygen levels. Fish and other aquatic animals need oxygen in the water to breathe, just like we need air. When there isn't enough oxygen, it's hard for them to survive. This can be caused by too much organic material in the water.
- Missing plants: Sometimes, plants along the creek banks are removed. These plants are important because they help keep the soil in place and filter the water. Without them, more dirt can wash into the creek.
Most of these problems come from agricultural activities nearby. This means things like farming practices can affect the creek's health.
How High Is Middle Creek?
The land around Middle Creek changes in height. The place where Middle Creek starts, its source, is about 817 feet (249 m) above sea level. The place where Middle Creek ends, its mouth where it joins Schwaben Creek, is lower. It is about 551 feet (168 m) above sea level.
History of Middle Creek
Middle Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States. Its special ID number in the system is 1181020.
Images for kids
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Middle Creek looking upstream
