Opequon Creek facts for kids
The Opequon Creek is a stream that flows for about 64.4 kilometers (40 miles). It's a tributary of the Potomac River, meaning it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger one. The Opequon Creek joins the Potomac River northeast of Martinsburg in Berkeley County, West Virginia.
The creek starts near the community of Opequon in Frederick County, Virginia, at the base of Great North Mountain. As it flows, the Opequon Creek helps form the border between Frederick and Clarke counties in Virginia. It also forms part of the border between Berkeley and Jefferson counties in West Virginia's Eastern Panhandle. The name "Opequon" comes from an old Native American language, but its exact meaning is not known today.
Contents
Streams Joining Opequon Creek
Many smaller streams flow into the Opequon Creek along its path. These are called tributaries. They are listed here starting from where the Opequon begins (its headwaters) and moving downstream to where it meets the Potomac River (its mouth).
- Stribling Run
- Hoge Run
- Wrights Run
- Buffalo Lick Run
- Sulphur Spring Run
- Isaac Run
- Abrams Creek
- Town Run
- Ash Hollow Run
- Redbud Run
- Dry Marsh Run
- Lick Run
- Littlers Run
- Ross Run
- Thomas Run
- Abrils Run
- Duncan Run
- Silver Spring Run
- Specks Run
- Turkey Run
- Mill Creek
- Torytown Run
- Sylvan Run
- Three Run
- Goose Creek
- Middle Creek
- Hopewell Run
- Dry Run
- Buzzard Run
- Sulphur Spring Branch
- Spa Run
- Cold Spring Run
- Evens Run
- Tuscarora Creek
- Eagle Run
- Hoke Run
Animals and Plants of Opequon Creek
The Opequon Creek is a home for many different kinds of animals and plants.
- Water Animals: You can find many types of Crayfish and small fish called Minnows living in the water. Several kinds of turtles also live here, especially the Eastern box turtle.
- Snakes: Snakes are very common near the creek. The most often seen are Copperheads and Garter snakes.
- Mammals: Many mammals live close to the creek's water. The largest mammal you might see is the White-tailed deer.
- Plants: Along the creek, you'll find different types of grasses, water lilies, and other plants that grow in the water. Big trees like Sycamore trees, Tulip Trees, and Willow trees grow their roots along the creek's banks.
How Water Levels Change
The amount of water flowing in the Opequon Creek changes a lot. This is because of rainfall and how much water runs off the land.
- Spring: In spring, the creek usually has a lot of water. This is because there's more rain and wet weather.
- Summer: During summer, the water flow is usually normal. However, Thunderstorms can make the water rise quickly, and short periods of dry weather can make it lower.
- Fall: In the fall, the water level is often lower than usual. This is because there's less rain and drier conditions.
- Winter: The creek usually has the most water in winter. This is because cold temperatures mean less water evaporates into the air, and thick clouds keep the ground moist. The creek rarely freezes completely, but sometimes still water will turn to ice.
Water Quality of the Creek
The water quality of Opequon Creek changes along its path.
- Good Quality Upstream: Where the creek starts in the North Mountain area, the water quality is generally good. This is because there isn't much pollution or a large population in that area.
- Changes Downstream: As the creek flows and joins with streams fed by springs, its water quality can drop. This is often due to water running off farms, which can carry things like fertilizers into the creek.
- Near the Potomac: Luckily, there are many dams along the creek. These dams help to prevent some of the farm runoff from reaching the Potomac River. By the time the Opequon Creek joins the Potomac, its water quality is usually good to moderate.
Cities and Towns Along Opequon Creek
Many communities are located along the Opequon Creek.
