San Luis Creek (Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids San Luis Creek |
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The creek at Alder, Colorado. It flows left-to-right in the picture under the green trees
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 38°26′55″N 106°01′42″W / 38.44861°N 106.02833°W |
| River mouth | San Luis Lake 7,526 ft (2,294 m) 37°40′16″N 105°43′59″W / 37.67111°N 105.73306°W |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 2,703 sq mi (7,000 km2) |
San Luis Creek is a stream about 76 miles (122 kilometers) long in Colorado. It starts near Poncha Pass in Saguache County, Colorado. The creek then flows south until it reaches San Luis Lake. This lake is right next to the famous Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve.
San Luis Lake is special because it's the "sink" for the San Luis Closed Basin. This means that San Luis Creek, and other water in this area, flows into the lake but never flows out to the ocean. It's the biggest "endorheic basin" in Colorado.
Contents
What is San Luis Creek?
San Luis Creek is a natural waterway, like a small river. It begins high up in the mountains of Saguache County. The water comes from melting snow and rain. As it flows, it collects more water from smaller streams.
The creek travels through different landscapes. It passes by small towns and open lands. Eventually, it reaches its final stop at San Luis Lake.
Where Does the Water Go?
Most rivers and streams eventually flow into a larger river, and then into the ocean. But San Luis Creek is different. Its journey ends at San Luis Lake. This lake is like a giant bowl.
Water flows into the lake, but it doesn't flow out. Instead, the water either sinks into the ground or evaporates into the air. This makes San Luis Lake a "terminal lake," meaning it's the end of the line for the water.
The San Luis Closed Basin
The area where San Luis Creek flows is part of something called the San Luis Closed Basin. Imagine a huge valley surrounded by mountains. All the rain and snow that falls inside this valley stays there. It doesn't drain out to the sea.
This type of area is known as an "endorheic basin." It's like a giant bathtub without a drain leading to the ocean. The San Luis Closed Basin is the largest one of its kind in Colorado.
Why is a Closed Basin Special?
Closed basins are unique because their water systems are self-contained. The water cycles within the basin itself. This can create special environments. For example, the water in the lake might become salty over time if evaporation is high.
The San Luis Closed Basin is also important for the local environment. It supports different plants and animals. The water in the basin helps to keep the land fertile. It also feeds the underground water supply.
San Luis Lake and Great Sand Dunes
San Luis Lake is the final destination for San Luis Creek. This lake is very close to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve. The park is famous for its huge sand dunes. These dunes are the tallest in North America.
The water from San Luis Creek and other sources helps to support the ecosystem around the dunes. Even though the lake is a "sink," it plays a vital role in the natural beauty and environment of the area.
