South Branch Roaring Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South Branch Roaring Creek |
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The upper reaches of South Branch Roaring Creek, looking upstream
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| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Conyngham Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania 1,160 feet (350 m) |
| River mouth | Roaring Creek in Franklin Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania 560 feet (170 m) 40°54′27″N 76°30′38″W / 40.90745°N 76.51066°W |
| Length | 16.8 mi (27.0 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Roaring Creek Susquehanna River Chesapeake Bay |
| River system | Susquehanna River system |
| Basin size | 25 sq mi (65 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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South Branch Roaring Creek is a cool stream located in Columbia County and Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. It flows into a larger stream called Roaring Creek. This stream is about 16.8 miles (27.0 km) long.
The upper parts of the creek are found in the beautiful Weiser State Forest. This area is nestled between two mountains, Big Mountain and Little Mountain. South Branch Roaring Creek is a great place for fish, especially trout. It's known for its clean, cold water, which is perfect for these fish. The land around the creek is 25 square miles wide.
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Where Does South Branch Roaring Creek Flow?
South Branch Roaring Creek begins its journey in Conyngham Township, Columbia County. It starts between Big Mountain and Little Mountain. The creek first flows towards the west.
It then goes under Pennsylvania Route 42 and through a lake. After leaving this lake, it reaches another lake. Then, it leaves Columbia County for a short time.
The Creek's Path Through Counties
Once it leaves Columbia County, South Branch Roaring Creek flows along the edge of Mount Carmel Township in Northumberland County. It continues heading west.
The creek briefly enters Coal Township. Here, it turns and starts flowing north.
Flowing North and Joining Other Waters
As it heads north, South Branch Roaring Creek flows between Cleveland Township (to the east) and Northumberland County (to the west). The creek passes by Knoebels Grove, a popular amusement park.
Here, it meets its smaller connecting stream, Mugser Run. The creek then enters Franklin Township. It flows under Pennsylvania Route 487. Soon after, South Branch Roaring Creek joins the main Roaring Creek.
Water Quality and Use
The water from South Branch Roaring Creek is an important source of drinking water. There are four reservoirs built on the creek. These reservoirs store water for people to use.
- The reservoirs, from upstream to downstream, are:
- Brush Valley Reservoir
- Bear Gap #6 Reservoir
- Bear Gap #2 Reservoir
- Bear Gap #1 Reservoir
Dams are built in four spots along the creek. These dams help provide water to towns like Shamokin and Mount Carmel.
Understanding Water Chemistry
The pH level of the creek's water usually ranges from 5.5 to 7. This level can be affected by the types of rocks nearby. It can also be influenced by acid rain and natural acids from plants in the area.
In 2007, volunteers checked the creek's water quality. They looked at seven different things about the creek. They gave each thing a score from 0 (lowest) to 4 (highest). A perfect score would be 28.
One spot on the creek scored 24 out of 28, which was very good. Other spots on South Branch Roaring Creek scored 21.5 and 16.5. A small stream flowing into it scored 21.
Water Temperature and Other Measures
In the summer of 2006, the water temperature in South Branch Roaring Creek varied. It was between 17.6 °C (63.7 °F) and 22.4 °C (72.3 °F). The pH ranged from 5.38 to 6.41.
The conductance (how well water conducts electricity) was between 35 and 146 micro-siemens. The average was 82 micro-siemens. The amount of alkalinity (which helps balance acids) was between 7 and 19 milligrams per liter. The average was 11.8 milligrams per liter.
The amount of water flowing, called discharge, was measured in 2006. At two spots, it was about 33 liters per second. At a third spot, it was much higher, at 142.3 liters per second.
The amount of nitrogen in the water in 2006 ranged from 209 to 1155.5 micrograms per liter. The average was 546.6 micrograms per liter. The phosphorus concentration ranged from 12.6 to 26.4 micrograms per liter, with an average of 17.6 micrograms per liter.
The Land Around the Creek
The first 10 miles (16 km) of South Branch Roaring Creek flow through the Roaring Creek part of Weiser State Forest. Big Mountain is to the north, and Little Mountain is to the south.
Certain types of rocks, called the Chemung formation, can be seen near the creek. The creek even cuts through Little Mountain at one point. The valley where the upper part of the creek is located is made of red shale.
The Creek's Drainage Area
The land area that drains water into South Branch Roaring Creek is shaped a bit like an "L". The northwestern part of this area is a few miles north of Elysburg. The southeastern part is a few miles east of Aristes.
Near where the creek starts, there are springs with sandy bottoms. A part of Weiser State Forest is also within this drainage area.
The total area that drains into South Branch Roaring Creek is 25 square miles. Nearby areas that drain into other streams include the Mugser Run area, the Lick Run area, and the main Roaring Creek area.
Animals and Plants of the Creek
South Branch Roaring Creek is home to different types of fish. Both brown trout and brook trout live here. These fish can grow up to 17 inches (43 cm) long.
The total amount of trout in the creek varies. Other fish seen in the creek include eastern blacknose dace and margined madtoms. Some warm-water fish from the reservoirs also swim into the creek. People are allowed to fish here, but they must release the fish they catch. It is a special stream approved for trout fishing.
Wildlife and Forest Connections
Some special animals live near where the creek begins. This area also has a unique Hemlock Palustrine Forest Natural Community. The northern long-eared bat has been seen along the creek.
The forests near the upper parts of South Branch Roaring Creek are important. They help connect forests in the Pocono Mountains to those along the Susquehanna River. In the summer of 2006, the tree cover over the creek was 40% in two spots and 93% in another.
The upper part of South Branch Roaring Creek has been called "the best natural habitat" in Columbia County. It is considered a high-quality cold-water fishery. It is also a Class A wild trout stream, meaning it's excellent for wild trout.
Tiny Creatures in the Water
Small water bugs, called microinvertebrates, live in the creek. At one spot, 19 different types were found. These included Hydropsychidae and Philopotamidae. Some types were very common, while others were rare.
Scientists use a score to see how much pollution these bugs can handle. The scores ranged from 0 (very sensitive to pollution) to 10 (can handle a lot of pollution).
At another spot, 21 types of microinvertebrates were found. Again, Hydropsychidae and Philopotamidae were the most common. The pollution tolerance scores here also ranged from 0 to 10.
The amount of algae in the creek was measured in 2006. It ranged from 0.9 to 3.81 micrograms of chlorophyll per square centimeter, with an average of 2.07.
History of the Creek Area
In 2003, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources bought a large area of land along South Branch Roaring Creek. They purchased 9000 acres to protect the natural environment.
