West Branch French Creek (French Creek tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch French Creek |
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Location of West Branch French Creek mouth
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| Other name(s) | Tributary to French Creek |
| Country | United States |
| States | Pennsylvania New York |
| Counties | Erie Chautauqua |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | divide between West Branch French Creek and French Creek about 1 mile northeast of Mina, New York 1,610 ft (490 m) 42°08′25″N 079°40′17″W / 42.14028°N 79.67139°W |
| River mouth | French Creek Wattsburg, Pennsylvania 1,273 ft (388 m) 41°59′56″N 079°48′47″W / 41.99889°N 79.81306°W |
| Length | 28.69 mi (46.17 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | southwest and south |
| River system | Allegheny River |
| Basin size | 77.89 square miles (201.7 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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| Bridges | I-86, Hazen Road, North Road, Findley Lake Road, Greenman Road, I-86, Station Road, Ashton Road, NY 89, Wildman Road, Knoyle Road, Jones Road, PA 89, |
The West Branch French Creek is a river that flows for about 28.69 mi (46.17 km). It is a smaller stream that joins the main French Creek. This river starts in Chautauqua County, New York and then flows into Erie County, Pennsylvania. Experts classify it as a "2nd order stream," which means it's formed when two smaller streams (1st order) join together.
Where Does West Branch French Creek Flow?
West Branch French Creek begins its journey in a town called Mina, New York. This is in the western part of Chautauqua County. From there, it flows southwest into Erie County, Pennsylvania. After entering Pennsylvania, it turns south and continues its path towards Wattsburg, Pennsylvania, where it meets French Creek.
What Is the West Branch French Creek Watershed?
The area of land that drains into West Branch French Creek is called its watershed. This watershed covers about 77.89 square miles (201.7 km2). The land here is mostly flat, formed by ancient glaciers. On average, this area gets about 46.8 inches of rain each year. About 44% of the land in the watershed is covered by forests.
What Are the Smaller Streams That Feed the West Branch French Creek?
Many smaller streams, called tributaries, flow into the West Branch French Creek. These tributaries add water to the main creek as it travels. Here are some of the important ones:
| Name, Bank | Length (miles) | Area Drained (sq mi) | Average Water Flow | Where it Joins the Creek | How High it Is | Where it Starts | How High it Starts | Interesting Facts |
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| Mouth | 77.89 square miles (201.7 km2) | 180.76 cu ft/s (5.119 m3/s) | 41°59′56″N 079°48′47″W / 41.99889°N 79.81306°W | 1,273 ft (388 m) | 42°08′25″N 79°40′17″W / 42.14028°N 79.67139°W | 1,610 ft (490 m) | West Branch French Creek starts in Mina, New York. It flows southwest and south to meet French Creek in Wattsburg, Pennsylvania. | |
| Bailey Brook, left bank | 4.06 mi (6.53 km) | 4.63 square miles (12.0 km2) | 9.14 cu ft/s (0.259 m3/s) | 42°02′01″N 079°49′40″W / 42.03361°N 79.82778°W | 1,296 ft (395 m) | 42°03′48″N 079°46′34″W / 42.06333°N 79.77611°W | 1,660 ft (510 m) | Bailey Brook begins near Little Hope, Pennsylvania. It flows southwest to join West Branch French Creek near Lowville, Pennsylvania. |
| Alder Brook, right bank | 7.12 mi (11.46 km) | 6.63 square miles (17.2 km2) | 12.63 cu ft/s (0.358 m3/s) | 42°03′27″N 079°50′30″W / 42.05750°N 79.84167°W | 1,299 ft (396 m) | 42°03′58″N 079°53′46″W / 42.06611°N 79.89611°W | 1,335 ft (407 m) | Alder Brook starts near Bogus Corners, Pennsylvania. It flows east and joins West Branch French Creek north of Lowville. It's the largest tributary by the area it drains. |
| Townley Run, right bank | 11.00 mi (17.70 km) | 4.71 square miles (12.2 km2) | 9.36 cu ft/s (0.265 m3/s) | 42°05′03″N 079°50′55″W / 42.08417°N 79.84861°W | 1,312 ft (400 m) | 42°07′59″N 079°51′22″W / 42.13306°N 79.85611°W | 1,450 ft (440 m) | Townley Run starts near Greenfield Church. It flows southeast to meet West Branch French Creek southwest of Little Hope, Pennsylvania. |
| Darrow Brook, left bank | 18.54 mi (29.84 km) | 6.50 square miles (16.8 km2) | 12.84 cu ft/s (0.364 m3/s) | 42°06′58″N 079°46′38″W / 42.11611°N 79.77722°W | 1,352 ft (412 m) | 42°07′42″N 079°45′18″W / 42.12833°N 79.75500°W | 1,720 ft (520 m) | Darrow Brook starts in Mina, New York, near French Creek. It flows north and northwest into Pennsylvania, joining West Branch French Creek near Ashton Corners. It carries the most water of all the tributaries. |
