Middle Fork Little Snake River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Middle Fork Little Snake River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 40°55′27″N 106°49′30″W / 40.92417°N 106.82500°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with North Fork 7,001 ft (2,134 m) 40°59′36″N 107°02′51″W / 40.99333°N 107.04750°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Little Snake—Yampa— Green—Colorado |
The Middle Fork Little Snake River is a cool river in Colorado! It flows for about 17.5-mile-long (28.2 km) and is an important part of the Little Snake River system. You can find it in Routt County, Colorado. This river helps create the larger Little Snake River when it joins another stream.
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About the Middle Fork Little Snake River
This river is like a natural highway for water. It starts high up in the mountains and flows downhill. The Middle Fork Little Snake River is a "tributary." This means it's a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. In this case, it flows into the Little Snake River.
Where Does It Start?
The Middle Fork Little Snake River begins near the Continental Divide. Imagine a giant line across North America! Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean, and water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean. The river's source is in the beautiful Routt National Forest. This forest is full of trees, wildlife, and amazing natural beauty.
Where Does It Go?
As the river flows, it travels through different landscapes. It eventually meets up with another river called the North Fork Little Snake River. When two rivers meet, it's called a "confluence." After they join, they form the main Little Snake River. The Little Snake River then flows into the Yampa River. The Yampa River is a tributary of the Green River. Finally, the Green River flows into the mighty Colorado River. So, the Middle Fork Little Snake River is a small but important part of a very big river system!
Why Are Rivers Important?
Rivers like the Middle Fork Little Snake River are super important for many reasons:
- Water for life: They provide fresh water for plants, animals, and even people.
- Homes for wildlife: Many different animals, like fish, birds, and mammals, live in or near rivers.
- Shaping the land: Over time, rivers carve out valleys and canyons, creating amazing landscapes.
- Fun activities: People enjoy rivers for fishing, kayaking, and just enjoying nature.
Even though the Middle Fork Little Snake River is not very long, it plays a key role in the environment of Routt County, Colorado. It helps keep the local ecosystem healthy and vibrant.
