Snake River (Nushagak Bay) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snake River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Snake River River in Alaska
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| Country | United States |
| State | Alaska |
| Census Area | Dillingham |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | 59°02′52″N 159°16′11″W / 59.04778°N 159.26972°W |
| River mouth | Nushagak Bay 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Dillingham 0 ft (0 m) 59°09′03″N 158°53′20″W / 59.15083°N 158.88889°W |
The Snake River is a river found in the southwestern part of Alaska, USA. It starts from Lake Nunavaugaluk and flows mostly south. The river is known for its many bends and loops. It is also home to a special type of fish called sockeye salmon.
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About the Snake River
The Snake River is an important natural feature in Alaska. It helps shape the land and provides a home for wildlife. Understanding rivers like the Snake River helps us learn about our planet's geography.
Where is the Snake River?
The Snake River is located in the Dillingham Census Area of Alaska. It begins at Lake Nunavaugaluk. The river then flows into Nushagak Bay. This bay is about 25 kilometres (16 mi) southwest of the town of Dillingham.
Other rivers also flow into Nushagak Bay. To the west of the Snake River is the Igushik River. To the east, you will find the Nushagak River. All these rivers are part of a larger water system in this region.
The River's Journey
After leaving Lake Nunavaugaluk, the Snake River first flows southeast. Then, it turns mainly south. As it travels, the river makes many twists and turns. This is called "meandering behavior."
Sometimes, a river loop gets cut off from the main river. This forms a crescent-shaped lake called an "oxbow lake." The Snake River has many of these interesting features. About 15 kilometres (9.3 mi) before it reaches Nushagak Bay, another river called the Weary River joins the Snake River from the right side.
Home to Sockeye Salmon
The Snake River is a vital place for a smaller group of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka). These salmon use the river for spawning during the summer. Spawning is when fish lay their eggs.
Salmon are an important part of the ecosystem in Alaska. They provide food for many animals, including bears and eagles. The river's clean water and gravel beds are perfect for salmon to lay their eggs.
River Flow and Water Levels
The amount of water flowing in a river is called its "discharge." At the point where the Snake River leaves Lake Nunavaugaluk, the average water flow is 15.4 cubic meters per second. This is like 15 large bathtubs of water flowing by every second!
The river's water levels change throughout the year. The highest water flows happen in May and June. This is when the snow from the mountains melts and adds a lot of water to the river.
