Sand Creek (Colorado Springs, Colorado) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sand Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 38°59′58″N 104°39′24″W / 38.99944°N 104.65667°W |
| River mouth | Confluence with Fountain Creek 5,784 ft (1,763 m) 38°46′53″N 104°46′50″W / 38.78134°N 104.78043°W |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Fountain Creek—Arkansas—Mississippi |
Sand Creek is a small waterway, also known as a stream, located in El Paso County, Colorado. It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. Sand Creek is a tributary of Fountain Creek, meaning it's one of the smaller streams that feeds into Fountain Creek.
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What is Sand Creek?
Sand Creek is an important part of the natural water system in El Paso County. It helps carry water across the land, eventually joining larger rivers. Think of it as a natural pathway for water, helping to shape the landscape around it.
Where Does Sand Creek Flow?
Sand Creek starts in El Paso County and flows until it meets Fountain Creek. Fountain Creek then flows into the Arkansas River, which is a much larger river. The Arkansas River eventually joins the mighty Mississippi River, which flows all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. So, a drop of water from Sand Creek could travel thousands of miles!
How High is the Mouth of Sand Creek?
The "mouth" of a creek is where it joins a larger body of water. The mouth of Sand Creek is about 5,784 ft (1,763 m) above sea level. This is quite high, showing that it's in a mountainous or high-plain area of Colorado.
Dams and Reservoirs on Sand Creek
Sometimes, people build structures on creeks and rivers to control water or create lakes.
Banning Lewis Number 1 Dam
One such structure is the Banning Lewis Number 1 Dam. This dam was built across the East Fork of Sand Creek. A "fork" is like a branch of the creek. The dam created a reservoir, which is like a large artificial lake.
What is a Reservoir?
A reservoir, like Banning Lewis Reservoir Number 1, is a place where water is collected and stored. People use reservoirs for many reasons, such as providing drinking water, helping with irrigation for farms, or even for recreation like fishing and boating.
Important Distinction: Not Big Sandy Creek
It's easy to get names mixed up, especially when they sound similar!
Sand Creek vs. Big Sandy Creek
It's very important not to confuse this Sand Creek with another place called Big Sandy Creek. Big Sandy Creek is famous for a sad historical event that happened there a long time ago. Our Sand Creek in El Paso County is a different place entirely.
