West Branch Moose River (Maine) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Branch Moose River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Maine 3,100 feet (940 m) |
| River mouth | South Branch Moose River 1,930 feet (590 m) 45°27′32″N 70°33′42″W / 45.4588°N 70.5618°W |
| Length | 6 miles (10 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | South Branch Moose River – Moose River – Moosehead Lake – Kennebec River |
The West Branch Moose River is a small river in Franklin County, Maine. It is a tributary, which means it's a smaller stream that flows into a larger river. This river flows into the South Branch Moose River.
About the River
The West Branch Moose River is about 6 miles (10 kilometers) long. It starts high up on Caribou Mountain in a place called Merrill Strip, Maine. This area is very close to the border between the United States and Canada.
Where the River Starts
The river's source, or where it begins, is on Caribou Mountain. This spot is about 3,100 feet (940 meters) above sea level. It's also very near the Canada–United States border. This border follows a "height of land." This means it's a high ridge that separates different watersheds. A watershed is an area of land where all the water drains into a specific river or lake.
River's Journey
From Caribou Mountain, the West Branch Moose River flows northeast. It travels about 5.9 miles (9.5 kilometers). Its journey ends when it joins the South Branch Moose River. This meeting point is called a confluence. The South Branch Moose River then flows into the main Moose River.
Part of a Bigger System
The West Branch Moose River is a small but important part of a much larger river system. After joining the South Branch and then the main Moose River, its waters eventually flow into Moosehead Lake. From there, the water continues its journey into the Kennebec River. The Kennebec River is a major river in Maine that eventually empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
