Spring Valley Creek (Current River tributary) facts for kids
Spring Valley Creek is a cool stream that flows through two counties in southern Missouri: Texas County and Shannon County. It's located in a beautiful area called the Ozarks. This creek is like a smaller helper river, as it eventually flows into a bigger river called the Current River.
Contents
Where Spring Valley Creek Begins and Ends
The Start of the Stream
Spring Valley Creek begins in the southeastern part of Texas County. The exact spot where it starts is called its headwaters. Think of it as the very first tiny trickles of water that come together to form the stream. You can find this starting point at these coordinates: 37°11′37″N 91°45′38″W / 37.19361°N 91.76056°W.
Its Journey Through the Ozarks
From its start, the creek flows generally towards the east and southeast. It soon crosses into Shannon County, passing just south of a town called Summersville.
As it continues its journey, the stream flows under two important Missouri roads: Route 17 and Route 106. After passing under these roads, the creek changes direction and turns towards the northeast.
Winding Paths and the End Point
The creek then travels through an area near a small community called Ink. Here, the stream makes many sharp, deep turns. These turns are called incised meanders. Imagine a snake winding its way through the land, cutting deeper into the ground as it goes – that's what the creek does!
Finally, Spring Valley Creek reaches its confluence with the Current River. A confluence is the spot where two rivers or streams meet and join together. For Spring Valley Creek, this meeting point is at a place called Round Spring. You can find this spot at these coordinates: 37°16′49″N 91°24′16″W / 37.28028°N 91.40444°W.
Why the Name "Spring Valley Creek"?
The name "Spring Valley Creek" is very fitting! The stream and the valley it flows through are known for having many natural springs. A spring is a place where groundwater flows out of the ground, often forming a pool or the start of a stream. Because there are so many of these natural water sources in the area, the creek and its valley were given this descriptive name.
