Spring Brook (Lackawanna River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Spring Brook |
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Falls at the Nesbitt Reservoir on Spring Brook
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| Other name(s) | Spring Brook Creek |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Near Interstate 380 in Covington Township, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania 1,860 ft (570 m) |
| River mouth | Lackawanna River in Moosic, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania 617 ft (188 m) 41°21′26″N 75°44′14″W / 41.35715°N 75.73721°W |
| Length | 17 mi (27 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Lackawanna River → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 57.2 sq mi (148 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Spring Brook, also known as Spring Brook Creek, is a stream in Pennsylvania, USA. It flows into the Lackawanna River in Lackawanna County and Luzerne County. This stream is about 17 miles (27 km) long. It passes through towns like Covington Township, Spring Brook Township, and Moosic.
The area of land that drains into Spring Brook, called its watershed, is about 57 square miles (148 km²). This stream is known for its good water quality. It's a bit acidic, with a pH between 6.4 and 6.9. Many types of fish, including trout, live here. The stream has several smaller streams that flow into it, such as Panther Creek and Rattlesnake Creek.
The upper parts of the Spring Brook watershed are mountainous and swampy. Further down, the stream cuts through the Moosic Mountains in a water gap. You can find sandstone, shale, and some coal near the stream. Parts of Spring Brook have been changed into a concrete channel to help control water flow. It's the main cause of flooding in Spring Brook Township.
Spring Brook is the second-largest stream that flows into the Lackawanna River. There are several reservoirs (large lakes for storing water) on Spring Brook, like the Nesbitt Reservoir. These reservoirs are important for providing drinking water to the nearby Lackawanna Valley. Most of the land around the stream is covered by forests.
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Where Does Spring Brook Flow?
Spring Brook starts near Interstate 380 in Covington Township, Lackawanna County. It flows south for a short distance, then turns west. It crosses Interstate 380 and enters Spring Brook Township. The stream then winds its way through the land.
It flows around a hill called The Hogback. After that, it enters the Watres Reservoir. The stream leaves the reservoir and flows northwest for a few miles. Along this path, it gets water from smaller streams like Panther Creek and Plank Bridge Creek.
Spring Brook then bends east and flows into the Nesbitt Reservoir. Here, another stream called Rattlesnake Creek joins it. The stream flows between tall hills. After the Nesbitt Reservoir, it flows north, and Green Run joins it.
Journey to the Lackawanna River
After leaving Lackawanna County, Spring Brook enters Pittston Township in Luzerne County. Monument Creek flows into it here. The stream then flows north-northwest, following Pennsylvania Route 502. It leaves the hills and crosses Pennsylvania Route 502 again before going back into Lackawanna County, specifically into Moosic.
In Moosic, Covey Swamp Creek joins Spring Brook. The stream then turns west, crossing Interstate 81. It continues northwest, crosses US Route 11, and finally meets the Lackawanna River. Spring Brook joins the Lackawanna River about 3.62 miles (5.83 km) before the Lackawanna River reaches its own end.
Streams That Join Spring Brook
Spring Brook has many smaller streams that flow into it. These are called tributaries. The main ones are Panther Creek, Plank Bridge Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Green Run, Monument Creek, and Covey Swamp Creek.
- Panther Creek: Joins Spring Brook about 10.40 miles (16.74 km) upstream from its mouth.
- Plank Bridge Creek: Joins Spring Brook about 8.65 miles (13.92 km) upstream from its mouth.
- Rattlesnake Creek: Joins Spring Brook about 7.96 miles (12.81 km) upstream from its mouth.
- Green Run: Joins Spring Brook about 6.48 miles (10.43 km) upstream from its mouth.
Water Quality and Environment
Spring Brook generally has good water quality. Even in areas where it flows through a concrete channel, the water remains quite clean. Studies have shown that it meets most water quality standards. However, some studies have found slightly higher levels of sodium and alkalinity.
In the past, around the early 1900s, the upper parts of Spring Brook were very clear. But further downstream, it was affected by waste from coal mining operations.
Water Flow and Levels
The amount of water flowing in Spring Brook changes. Between 1971 and 1990, the flow ranged from 0.900 to 27.0 cubic feet per second. This means the stream can be quite full or have less water depending on the weather.
The highest amount of water flowing in the stream in a year has a 10% chance of reaching 5050 cubic feet per second. This helps engineers plan for potential floods.
Water Chemistry
Scientists have measured different things in Spring Brook's water:
- Oxygen: In 1975, the amount of dissolved oxygen was 10.6 milligrams per liter. Oxygen is important for fish and other aquatic life.
- pH: The water's pH (how acidic or basic it is) ranged from 6.4 to 6.9 in the 1970s. This means it's slightly acidic.
- Hardness: The water hardness ranged from 23 to 28 milligrams per liter.
- Clarity: The water was usually very clear, with low turbidity (cloudiness).
Nature and Landscape
The land around Spring Brook is mostly mountainous, especially near where the stream begins. There are also swampy areas and bogs (wetlands with special plants) in the upper parts. The Yostville marshes are an example of wetlands near the stream's source.
Further downstream, the stream flows through a valley with steep, high mountains on both sides. The stream's path is winding. It flows over rocks like sandstone and shale. There are also some areas with coal in the lower parts of the watershed.
Spring Brook flows across the Pocono Plateau and cuts through the Moosic Mountains. Its mouth is in the Lackawanna Valley. In its lower sections, the stream flows through a large open concrete channel. This channel helps control flooding.
Dams and Reservoirs
There are several dams on Spring Brook. These include the Spring Brook Intake Dam, the Nesbitt Dam, and the Watres Dam. These dams help create reservoirs that store water.
The average rainfall in the Spring Brook watershed is between 35 and 40 inches (89 and 100 cm) per year. The water temperature of the stream usually ranges from 8.0 to 15.5 degrees Celsius (46.4 to 59.9 degrees Fahrenheit).
History and Uses
Spring Brook has been an important part of the area's history. It was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System in 1979.
In the past, the stream provided power for early logging (timbering) in Spring Brook Township. In the early 1900s, the main jobs in the area were coal mining and farming. Coal companies used to discharge waste into the stream. Railroads also ran along the stream in the early 1900s.
Water Supply and Flooding
Spring Brook has been a source of drinking water since at least the early 1900s. Today, it still provides important drinking water for the Lackawanna Valley. The Nesbitt Water Filtration Plant, which cleans the water, is located in the watershed.
Spring Brook has caused floods in the past. During Hurricane Diane in 1955, the stream flooded homes near Moosic. After this, a levee (a wall to prevent flooding) was built along the stream. The stream also caused bank failures during floods in 1985 and 1996.
Bridges Over the Stream
Several bridges have been built over Spring Brook:
- A bridge carrying Main Street/State Route 3024 was built in Moosic in 1956. It's about 111.9 feet (34.1 m) long.
- Another bridge was built in Pittston Township in 1957, about 155.8 feet (47.5 m) long.
- A bridge for Pennsylvania Route 502 was built in Moosic in 1958, about 138.1 feet (42.1 m) long.
- A bridge for US Route 11 was built in Moosic in 1959 and repaired in 1985. It's 67.9 feet (20.7 m) long.
- Another bridge for Pennsylvania Route 502 was built in Moosic in 1961, about 180.1 feet (54.9 m) long.
- A bridge for Pennsylvania Route 502 was built in Pittston Township in 1987, about 27.9 feet (8.5 m) long.
Scientists and environmental groups have studied Spring Brook many times since 1970.
Wildlife and Nature
Spring Brook is a great place for fish and other aquatic animals. It's known as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. This means the water is cold and clean enough for fish, and it's a path for fish that travel to lay eggs.
Wild trout naturally reproduce in Spring Brook along its entire length. A section of the stream, about 2.4 miles (4 km) long, is considered "Class A Wild Trout Waters" for both brook trout and brown trout. Some of its smaller streams, like Green Run and Panther Creek, are also Class A Wild Trout Waters.
Tiny Creatures in the Water
Many different types of macroinvertebrates (small creatures without backbones, like insects and worms) live in Spring Brook. Scientists have found 18 different groups of mayflies, stoneflies, and caddisflies. These tiny creatures are important because they show how healthy the water is. If there are many different kinds, it means the water is clean.
Plants Around the Stream
The wetlands near the start of Spring Brook are home to special trees found in cold, northern forests. These include black spruce, paper birch, and tamarack. You can also find plants like huckleberry, lady's slipper, pitcher plant, and mountain laurel in the bogs.
Fun Activities
Spring Brook offers several ways to enjoy the outdoors!
Trails and Greenways
There are plans to create trails along Spring Brook. One idea is called the Spring Brook / Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Greenway. There are also plans for trails on the flood levee near the stream's mouth and along an old railroad path. These trails would be great for walking, biking, and exploring nature.
Boating and Fishing
A long section of Spring Brook, at least 7 miles (11 km) long, is good for kayaking, paddling, or rafting. The difficulty of the stream for boating ranges from Class II (easy rapids) to Class IV (difficult rapids), so it offers challenges for different skill levels.
Spring Brook is also an approved stream for trout fishing. In 1996, it opened for trout fishing on April 29.
