Nick Creek (Rocky River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nick Creek |
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Location of Nick Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Rocky River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Chatham |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Nick Creek divide pond about 2 miles southeast of Crutchfield Crossroads, North Carolina 648 ft (198 m) 35°47′36″N 079°24′22″W / 35.79333°N 79.40611°W |
| River mouth | Rocky River about 2.5 miles northeast of Siler City, North Carolina 505 ft (154 m) 35°45′40″N 079°26′00″W / 35.76111°N 79.43333°W |
| Length | 3.81 mi (6.13 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | southwest |
| River system | Deep River |
| Basin size | 5.12 square miles (13.3 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | Silk Hope-Liberty Road, Joe Fox Road, Jesse Bridges Road |
Nick Creek is a small but important waterway located in Chatham County, North Carolina. It stretches about 3.81 miles (6.13 kilometers) long. This creek is a "second-order tributary," which means it's a stream that forms when two smaller, first-order streams (which have no tributaries themselves) join together. Nick Creek eventually flows into the Rocky River.
Contents
Journey of Nick Creek
Nick Creek begins its journey in a pond located about 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) southeast of Crutchfield Crossroads, North Carolina. This starting point is in Chatham County.
Flowing Southwest
From its source, the creek flows mainly towards the southwest. As it travels, it collects water from smaller, unnamed streams that join it along the way. These smaller streams are called tributaries.
Joining the Rocky River
Nick Creek's journey ends when it flows into the Rocky River. This meeting point is about 2.5 miles (4.0 kilometers) northeast of Siler City, North Carolina. This connection is important because it links Nick Creek to a larger river system, eventually leading to the Deep River.
Understanding the Watershed
A watershed is like a giant bowl that collects all the rain and snowmelt in an area, directing it into a single stream, river, or lake. The Nick Creek watershed is the entire land area that drains water into Nick Creek.
Size and Rainfall
The Nick Creek watershed covers an area of about 5.12 square miles (13.26 square kilometers). This area receives a good amount of rain, about 47.9 inches (121.7 centimeters) per year. This rainfall is crucial for keeping the creek flowing and healthy.
Forests and the Environment
About 45% of the Nick Creek watershed is covered by forests. These forests play a very important role in keeping the creek clean and healthy. Trees and plants help to filter the water, prevent soil erosion, and provide homes for many animals. They also help to keep the water cool, which is good for fish and other aquatic life.
Bridges Over the Creek
Several roads cross over Nick Creek, showing how it's a part of the local community's daily life. These include Silk Hope-Liberty Road, Joe Fox Road, and Jesse Bridges Road. These bridges allow people and vehicles to travel easily while the creek flows underneath.
