Stewart Creek (Roaring River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stewart Creek |
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Location of Stewart Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to Roaring River |
| Country | United States |
| State | North Carolina |
| County | Wilkes |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Little Bugaboo Creek divide about 1.5 miles southwest of Lomax, North Carolina 1,280 ft (390 m) 36°16′40″N 081°00′47″W / 36.27778°N 81.01306°W |
| River mouth | Roaring River about 6 miles northwest of Roaring River, North Carolina 986 ft (301 m) 36°15′03″N 081°02′41″W / 36.25083°N 81.04472°W |
| Length | 2.48 mi (3.99 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | southwest |
| River system | Yadkin River |
| Basin size | 2.80 square miles (7.3 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | Greenhorn Road |
Stewart Creek is a small stream located in Wilkes County, North Carolina, in the United States. It flows for about 2.48 mi (3.99 km), which is a little less than 4 kilometers. This creek is a "tributary," meaning it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. For Stewart Creek, its waters eventually join the Roaring River.
Contents
The Journey of Stewart Creek
Stewart Creek begins its journey in a place called Lomax, North Carolina. It starts about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) southwest of this area. The exact spot where it begins is at an elevation of about 1,280 ft (390 m) (390 meters) above sea level. This starting point is often called the "source" of the creek.
Where the Water Flows
From its source, Stewart Creek flows mainly towards the southwest. It travels through the landscape, picking up water from smaller, unnamed streams along the way. These smaller streams are also tributaries to Stewart Creek.
Joining the Roaring River
After its short journey, Stewart Creek reaches its "mouth." This is the place where it flows into the Roaring River. This meeting point is about 6 miles (9.7 kilometers) northwest of the town of Roaring River, North Carolina. At this spot, the elevation is lower, around 986 ft (301 m) (301 meters).
Understanding the Watershed
Every river or stream has a "watershed." Think of a watershed as a large area of land where all the rain and snowmelt drain into a particular river or stream. For Stewart Creek, its watershed covers about 2.80 square miles (7.3 km2) (7.25 square kilometers) of land.
Rainfall and Forests
This area receives a good amount of rain each year, about 50.7 inches (129 centimeters). A large part of Stewart Creek's watershed, about 62%, is covered by forests. These forests are very important! They help keep the water clean by filtering out pollutants. They also prevent soil from washing away, which protects the creek's banks.
Wetness Index
The "wetness index" of 323.98 tells scientists how wet or moist the land in the watershed is. A higher number means the area tends to hold more water. This can affect how much water flows into the creek, especially after it rains.
Part of a Bigger System
Stewart Creek is a small but important part of a much larger river system. When its water joins the Roaring River, it then becomes part of the Yadkin River system. The Yadkin River is a major river in North Carolina, and it eventually flows all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. So, the water from Stewart Creek travels a long way!
