Reyburn Creek facts for kids

Reyburn Creek is a small river, or tributary, that flows into Shickshinny Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. It is about 6.2 miles (10 kilometers) long. The creek flows entirely through Union Township. The land area that drains into the creek, called its watershed, covers about 9.52 square miles (24.7 square kilometers). Reyburn Creek is special because it is a designated Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means it is a great place for certain fish to live and travel.

Where Reyburn Creek Flows

Reyburn Creek starts in a pond located in Union Township. From its start, the creek winds its way south for almost a mile. It then reaches a small community called Muhlenburg.

After Muhlenburg, the creek turns to flow southeast for a few miles. During this part of its journey, it flows right next to Reyburn Road. Eventually, the creek turns south again for more than a mile. Along this stretch, it receives water from a smaller, unnamed stream that joins it from the left side.

Finally, Reyburn Creek turns southwest. It flows alongside Shickshinny Mountain for over a mile. Its journey ends when it meets Shickshinny Creek in the village of Koonsville, which is also in Union Township. Reyburn Creek joins Shickshinny Creek about 1.68 miles (2.70 kilometers) before Shickshinny Creek reaches its own end.

Water Flow and Levels

The amount of water flowing in a creek is called its discharge. For Reyburn Creek, the highest amount of water that flows each year, called the peak annual discharge, can vary a lot. At the mouth of the creek, there is a 10 percent chance that the water flow will reach 1,410 cubic feet per second. This means that, on average, a flow this strong might happen once every ten years.

Land Around the Creek

The land around Reyburn Creek changes in height. Near where the creek joins Shickshinny Creek, the elevation is about 620 feet (189 meters) above sea level. Where Reyburn Creek begins, its source, the elevation is much higher. It is between 1,080 and 1,100 feet (329 and 335 meters) above sea level.

A long power line, called the Stanton-Susquehanna #2 transmission line, crosses over Reyburn Creek. This power line is about 30 miles (48 kilometers) long and crosses many other bodies of water too. Part of Shickshinny Mountain is also located in the lower area that drains into the creek.

The ground near Reyburn Creek has different types of soil and rock. Most of the area along the creek has alluvium, which is made of sand, silt, and clay left by flowing water. In some parts, especially in the lower and middle sections, you can find Wisconsinan Outwash. This is material left behind by melting glaciers. There is also a type of glacial soil called Wisconsinan Till in the middle and upper parts of the creek. Other materials like Wisconsinan Ice-Contact Stratified Drift, which has sand and gravel, and Wisconsinan Bouldery Till are also found. The ground also has bedrock made of sandstone and shale in many areas.

The Creek's Watershed

The watershed of Reyburn Creek is the entire area of land where all the rain and snowmelt eventually drain into the creek. This watershed covers an area of about 9.52 square miles (24.7 square kilometers). The creek is located entirely within a specific map area called the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Shickshinny.

There are also four places along Reyburn Creek that are known as obstructions. These might be things like fallen trees or rocks that block the water flow.

History of Reyburn Creek

Reyburn Creek was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system keeps track of names and locations of places in the United States. Its special identification number in this system is 1184964.

In May 2011, Reyburn Creek was added to a special list by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This list includes streams where wild trout naturally live and reproduce. Reyburn Creek was one of 100 streams added to this important list. The decision to add these streams was agreed upon by everyone on the commission.

Wildlife in the Creek

The entire area that drains into Reyburn Creek is special because it is designated as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means the water stays cool enough for certain fish to thrive. It also means fish can travel through the creek as part of their life cycle. Wild trout naturally reproduce in Reyburn Creek. You can find them living and reproducing in the creek all the way from its very beginning down to where it meets Shickshinny Creek.