Saltese Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltese Creek |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| State | Washington |
| County | Spokane |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Saltese Flats Spokane County, Washington 4,557 ft (1,389 m) 47°37′49″N 117°07′43″W / 47.63028°N 117.12861°W |
| River mouth | Shelley Lake at Spokane Valley, Washington 47°39′05″N 117°11′05″W / 47.65139°N 117.18472°W |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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Saltese Creek is a stream located in Spokane County, Washington, United States. It is about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) long. This creek plays a very important role in managing water in the area.
Originally, Saltese Creek was much shorter, only about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long. Over time, people dug more of the stream and added drainage canals. These changes were made to help drain a large area called Saltese Lake.
Today, Saltese Creek is one of the main streams that flows into and out of the Saltese Flats. The Saltese Flats are now wetlands, which are like marshy areas. The creek also flows into Shelley Lake, a lake that was created when Saltese Lake was drained.
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What is Saltese Creek?
Saltese Creek is a natural waterway, or stream, in the eastern part of Washington state. It flows through a region known for its beautiful landscapes and important wetlands. The creek helps move water through the local environment.
It is about 9 miles (14.5 kilometers) long from where it starts to where it ends. This makes it a medium-sized stream in the area. It is a vital part of the water system in Spokane County.
Where Does Saltese Creek Start and End?
Every stream has a beginning, called its headwaters, and an end, called its mouth. Saltese Creek's headwaters are found near the top of Mica Peak. Mica Peak is a mountain in Spokane County, Washington.
From its source, the creek flows downhill. It eventually reaches its mouth at Shelley Lake. Shelley Lake is located in Spokane Valley. This lake was formed as a result of changes made to the land many years ago.
The Story of Saltese Lake
Saltese Creek is closely linked to a place called Saltese Flats. This area was once a large lake known as Saltese Lake. However, the lake was drained a long time ago.
To drain the lake, people dug out more of Saltese Creek. They also created about 10 miles (16 km) of drainage canals. This work helped turn the lakebed into the wetlands we now call Saltese Flats.
Because of these changes, Saltese Creek now acts as a key pathway for water. It brings water into the Saltese Flats wetlands. It also carries water away from them, helping to keep the water levels balanced.
Why is Saltese Creek Important?
Saltese Creek is very important for the environment in Spokane County. It helps maintain the Saltese Flats wetlands. Wetlands are special places that are home to many different kinds of plants and animals.
These wetlands act like natural filters, cleaning the water as it flows through. They also provide important habitats for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Saltese Creek helps ensure these valuable ecosystems stay healthy.
The creek also helps control flooding in the area. By moving water through the landscape, it prevents too much water from building up in one place. This protects homes and farms nearby.
