Sheep River (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sheep River |
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The gorge of the Sheep River west of Turner Valley
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park 2,100 meters (6,900 ft) 50°40′22″N 114°57′26″W / 50.67278°N 114.95736°W |
| River mouth | Highwood River 983 meters (3,225 ft) 50°44′24″N 113°51′17″W / 50.73998°N 113.85475°W |
The Sheep River is a cool river found in southwestern Alberta, Canada. It's an important part of the larger Bow River watershed. A watershed is like a big bowl where all the rain and snowmelt drain into one main river.
This river starts high up in the mountain valleys of Elbow-Sheep Wildland Provincial Park. It then flows through Sheep River Provincial Park, which is a beautiful area. Finally, the Sheep River joins the Highwood River about 8 kilometers east of Okotoks. The water from the Sheep River is very important because it provides drinking water for the towns of Turner Valley, Black Diamond, and Okotoks.
Where Does the Water Come From?
A river gets bigger as it flows because smaller streams join it along the way. These smaller streams are called tributaries. Think of them as little helpers that bring more water to the main river.
Sheep River's Tributaries
As the Sheep River flows from its start in the mountains to where it joins the Highwood River, many tributaries add their water. Here are some of them:
- Rae Creek (from Mount Rae)
- Burns Creek
- Cliff Creek
- Junction Creek
- Bluerock Creek
- Gorge Creek
- Dyson Creek
- March Creek
- Coal Creek
- Wolf Creek
- Long Prairie Creek
- Macabee Creek
- Waite Valley Creek
- Lineham Creek
- Turner Valley
- Threepoint Creek
- Spring Creek
- Wilson Coulee
