North Fork Snake River facts for kids
The North Fork Snake River is a cool river that flows through the mountains of central Colorado in the United States. It's not a huge river, but it's an important part of the bigger Snake River system. Think of it like a smaller stream that joins a larger one!
Quick facts for kids North Fork Snake River |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Summit County, Colorado 39°39′45″N 105°52′17″W / 39.66250°N 105.87139°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Snake 9,350 ft (2,850 m) 39°36′18″N 105°56′31″W / 39.60500°N 105.94194°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Snake—Blue—Colorado |
| Waterfalls | Snake River Falls |
Contents
About the North Fork Snake River
The North Fork Snake River is a tributary. This means it's a smaller river or stream that flows into a larger river. In this case, it flows into the Snake River. The Snake River itself then joins the Blue River, which eventually flows into the mighty Colorado River. So, the North Fork Snake River is like a tiny branch of a very big river tree!
Where Does it Begin?
Every river has a starting point, called its source. The North Fork Snake River begins high up in the mountains near Loveland Pass in Summit County, Colorado. Imagine water trickling down from melting snow or small springs – that's often how rivers start! Another important source for this river is a place called Pass Lake.
Its Journey Through Colorado
From its mountain sources, the North Fork Snake River flows downhill. It travels through beautiful natural areas in central Colorado. Its journey ends when it meets the main Snake River in a town called Keystone. This meeting point is called a confluence.
Why Rivers are Important
Even smaller rivers like the North Fork Snake River are super important!
- They provide homes for fish and other water animals.
- They help plants grow along their banks.
- They carry water from the mountains to other areas, which can be used by wildlife and even people.
- They also help shape the land over many years, creating valleys and canyons.
