Slesse Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Slesse Creek |
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| Other name(s) | Silesia Creek |
| Countries | United States and Canada |
| State | Washington |
| Province | British Columbia |
| County | Whatcom County, WA |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of East and Middle Forks North Cascades |
| River mouth | Chilliwack River |
Slesse Creek is a cool waterway that flows through two different countries! It starts in the United States and then crosses into Canada. In the U.S., it's often called Silesia Creek, but once it reaches Canada, everyone knows it as Slesse Creek. This creek is like a smaller river that eventually joins a bigger one called the Chilliwack River. It travels through Whatcom County in the state of Washington and then into the Canadian province of British Columbia.
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The Journey of Slesse Creek
Slesse Creek is formed when several smaller streams, called "forks," come together. These forks gather water from the beautiful North Cascades mountains. Let's explore where each part of the creek begins its journey.
East Fork: Where it Begins
The East Fork is one of the starting points for Slesse Creek. It begins its flow from a tiny spot called Egg Lake. From there, it travels north, then turns towards the northwest. This part of the creek continues its journey until it meets up with the Middle Fork. When these two forks join, they create what is known as Silesia Creek Proper.
Middle Fork: Another Starting Point
Just like the East Fork, the Middle Fork also helps form Slesse Creek. This fork starts at a ridge that doesn't have a specific name, located west of Egg Lake. It flows first to the northwest and then turns north. Eventually, it connects with the East Fork. Their meeting point is where Silesia Creek Proper officially begins.
West Fork: Joining the Main Flow
The West Fork is another important branch of Slesse Creek. It starts its journey near a place called Mamie Pass. From there, it flows north, collecting water along the way. A stream called Winchester Creek adds its waters to the West Fork. After that, the West Fork turns east. It continues in this direction until it merges with the main part of Silesia Creek. Just before it joins the main creek, the West Fork flows over a beautiful waterfall!
The Main Slesse Creek Journey
The main part of Slesse Creek, also known as Silesia Creek Proper, officially begins where the East and Middle Forks meet. From this point, the creek flows mostly northwest. It continues this path almost all the way to the larger Chilliwack River. Along its journey, Slesse Creek receives water from one major tributary, which is a smaller stream that flows into it. This tributary is called Rapid Creek. Rapid Creek joins Slesse Creek about halfway between its source and where the West Fork merges.
An interesting fact about Slesse Creek is that it crosses an international border! About a quarter of the way along its path, the creek flows from the United States into Canada. When it crosses this border, its name officially changes. In the U.S., it's called Silesia Creek, but once it enters Canada, it becomes known as Slesse Creek.
