Morgan Creek (California) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Morgan Creek |
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 Location of the mouth of Morgan Creek in California
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| Country | United States |
| State | California |
| Counties | Mono, Inyo |
| Municipality | Inyo National Forest |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sierra Crest 37°23′28″N 118°45′04″W / 37.391232°N 118.751092°W |
| River mouth | Pine Creek 37°21′38″N 118°41′51″W / 37.36047°N 118.697405°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | NW Owens Valley |
Morgan Creek is a small stream in eastern California. It is about 4.1-mile-long (6.6 km). This creek flows through two counties: Mono and Inyo.
Morgan Creek starts high up in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. It is located within the Inyo National Forest. The creek then flows through a flat area known as Round Valley. Finally, it joins Pine Creek near the Owens River. This meeting point is northeast of the town of Bishop in the Owens Valley.
Where Morgan Creek Starts and Flows
Morgan Creek begins high in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The very beginning of a river or stream is called its headwaters. For Morgan Creek, its headwaters are found at the Sierra Crest. This is the highest ridge of the Sierra Nevada mountain range.
As the water flows downhill, Morgan Creek passes through two lakes. These are called Upper Morgan Lake and Lower Morgan Lake.
Smaller Streams Joining Morgan Creek
Along its journey, smaller streams join Morgan Creek. These smaller streams are known as tributaries.
- One tributary flows from an area called Bear Creek Spire. The water from this tributary travels through Spire Lake and Split Lake. After passing through these lakes, it joins Morgan Creek.
- Another tributary comes from the Mount Morgan area. This area includes a bowl-shaped valley called a cirque. Water also flows from the Finch Lake cirque and two other cirques located to the south.
Where Morgan Creek Ends
Morgan Creek finishes its journey when it flows into Pine Creek. This meeting point is called the mouth of Morgan Creek. It is located northeast of Bishop, California. Pine Creek itself later combines with Rock Creek. Then, Rock Creek flows into the larger Owens River.
