West Branch Mahantango Creek facts for kids

West Branch Mahantango Creek is a smaller stream that flows into Mahantango Creek. It is located in Snyder County and Juniata County, in Pennsylvania, United States. The creek is about 18 miles (29 km) long. It starts on Shade Mountain in Snyder County and joins Mahantango Creek further downstream. Most of the land around the creek is covered by forests or farms. Fish like trout and minnows live here, and the creek is even stocked with trout for fishing. A covered bridge was built over it in 1908.

Where West Branch Mahantango Creek Flows

West Branch Mahantango Creek begins in a place called Allen Gap on Shade Mountain. This area is part of the Bald Eagle State Forest. The creek's starting point is in West Perry Township, Snyder County.

From there, the creek flows southeast down the mountain. It reaches the border between Snyder County and Juniata County. Then, it turns eastward and follows this county line for a while. It also generally runs alongside Pennsylvania Route 35. After about 3 miles (4.8 km), the creek turns south, still following the county line, but moving away from Route 35. It passes by Forrey Ridge before turning east again. After several more miles, the creek winds past the Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 194. Here, West Branch Mahantango Creek joins Mahantango Creek. Mahantango Creek then flows about two miles east before emptying into the large Susquehanna River.

The Creek's Watershed

A watershed is the area of land where all the water drains into a particular river or stream. West Branch Mahantango Creek and all its smaller streams cover a total of 19.98 miles. The creek is entirely within West Perry Township, Snyder County, and Monroe Township, Juniata County.

The upper part of the creek's watershed has some problems, meaning it is not as healthy as it should be. This "impaired" section covers about 9.83 square miles. In this area, about 66% of the land is forest, 28% is used for farming, and 6% is used for other things. For example, there are many acres of hay fields, pastures, and cropland.

How Water Moves in the Creek

Every day, about 8,747 pounds (3,968 kg) of sediment (which is dirt and tiny bits of rock) flows through West Branch Mahantango Creek. This means a huge amount of sediment moves through the creek each year.

Between 1992 and 2011, the average yearly rainfall in the creek's watershed was about 39.30 inches (99.8 cm). The average amount of runoff (water flowing over the land) was about 2.75 inches (7.0 cm). Sometimes, even small floods can cause damage to buildings located near the creek.

Creek's Location and Size

West Branch Mahantango Creek is located at an elevation of about 390 feet (120 m) above sea level. This tells us how high it is compared to the ocean.

Downstream from the town of Richfield, West Branch Mahantango Creek is usually between 15 feet (4.6 m) and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide.

History of the Creek Area

The Oriental Bridge is a famous landmark over West Branch Mahantango Creek. It is 69 feet (21 meters) long and was built in 1908. The bridge was fixed up in 1987 and is still used by cars today. There was once a dam called the Meiser's Mill Dam on the creek, but it has since been destroyed.

Animals and Plants in the Creek

West Branch Mahantango Creek is a great place for fish. It is an approved area for trout fishing, and the creek is regularly stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout. Minnows and Smallmouth bass also live in the creek.

Near one part of the creek in Monroe Township, there are dozens of vernal pools. These are temporary ponds that fill with water in the spring. They are found at the bottom of a wooded ridge. Two of these pools are home to a special plant called Leucothoe racemosa.

The Richfield Marsh is another important natural area located on West Branch Mahantango Creek. This marsh is about one to two acres in size. In 1987, a plant called Schoenoplectus acutus, which is endangered in Pennsylvania, was found here. The marsh is also home to plants like speckled alder and poison sumac.