Sugarloaf Creek facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sugarloaf Creek |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | valley in Hazle Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania 1,460 ft (450 m) |
| River mouth | Tomhicken Creek in North Union Township, Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania 1,014 ft (309 m) 40°55′35″N 76°09′03″W / 40.92641°N 76.15084°W |
| Length | 3.5 mi (5.6 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Tomhicken Creek → Catawissa Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 3.34 sq mi (8.7 km2) |
Sugarloaf Creek is a small stream, about 3.5 miles (5.6 km) long, located in Pennsylvania. It flows through parts of Luzerne County and Schuylkill County. This creek is a tributary of Tomhicken Creek, which means it flows into Tomhicken Creek.
The area of land that drains water into Sugarloaf Creek is called its watershed, and it covers about 3.34 square miles (8.7 km2). The creek is known as a Coldwater Fishery, which means its waters are cool enough for certain types of fish to live in. However, the creek has faced problems from pollution, especially from something called acid mine drainage.
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Where Does Sugarloaf Creek Flow?
Sugarloaf Creek starts in a wide valley in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. A mountain called Little Sugarloaf Mountain is to its north. The creek flows west and soon gets water from a smaller stream.
It then enters Black Creek Township, Luzerne County. The creek continues west and flows into a body of water known as Lake Susquehanna. After leaving this lake, it enters North Union Township, Schuylkill County.
The creek then turns north for a short distance before going back into Black Creek Township. It quickly turns west again and flows into another lake, Lake Choctaw. Once it leaves Lake Choctaw, Sugarloaf Creek flows west-southwest for almost a mile. Finally, it turns northwest and joins Tomhicken Creek.
What is the Water Quality Like?
Sugarloaf Creek has faced challenges with its water quality. In its upper parts, the water is affected by acid mine drainage. This means that water flowing from old mines makes the creek too acidic. This pollution comes from a place called the Oneida Number One Tunnel.
Because of this acid mine drainage, Sugarloaf Creek is quite acidic. Its pH level is 5.0, which is much lower than what most aquatic life needs to thrive. The water also has very low alkalinity, which is a measure of how well the water can resist changes in pH.
On July 11, 1997, the water temperature of Sugarloaf Creek was measured at 20.3 °C (68.5 °F).
How Does the Land Affect the Creek?
The land around Sugarloaf Creek plays a big role in its features. The creek's source is at an elevation of 1,460 feet (450 m) above sea level, and its mouth is at 1,014 feet (309 m) above sea level.
The creek flows over a type of rock formation called the Mauch Chunk Formation. The soil in the entire watershed is mainly Hazleton soil. Sugarloaf Creek is a narrow stream, about 3.6 metres (12 ft) wide. It flows downhill at a moderate slope.
Some areas near the creek can experience flooding. There are also three small impoundments (places where the water is held back, like small dams) on the creek.
The Creek's Surroundings and History
The watershed of Sugarloaf Creek covers 3.34 square miles (8.7 km2). Most of this area is in Hazle Township and Black Creek Township in Luzerne County. However, parts of it are also in North Union Township and East Union Township in Schuylkill County.
The two main lakes on Sugarloaf Creek are Lake Susquehanna and Lake Choctaw. The Oneida Number 1 Tunnel, which causes the acid mine drainage, releases water into the creek between these two lakes.
Most of Sugarloaf Creek (84 percent) is very close to a road, within 100 metres (330 ft). The entire creek is within 300 metres (980 ft) of a road. In 1990, about 164 people lived in each square kilometer of the creek's watershed.
A resort area called Eagle Rock is located along Sugarloaf Creek. In the 1990s, this area saw a lot of new buildings and homes. The very beginning of the creek is in a residential area.
Efforts have been made to help Sugarloaf Creek. In 1997, a group called the Catawissa Creek Restoration Association added limestone sand to the creek. This helped to make the water less acidic. By 1999, it was estimated that restoring the creek would cost around $205,000.
What About Life in the Creek?
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection considers Sugarloaf Creek a Coldwater Fishery. This means it's supposed to be a good place for fish that like cold water.
However, despite this classification, no fish have actually been seen living in Sugarloaf Creek. A report from 1997 also said that the creek was not a good spot for fishing. This is likely due to the acid mine drainage affecting the water quality.
