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West Branch Sacandaga River facts for kids

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West Branch Sacandaga River
Westsacandaga.jpg
The West Branch of the Sacandaga River flowing through the Adirondack Mountains in Wells, New York.
Country United States
State New York
Physical characteristics
Main source Meco Lake
River mouth Sacandaga River
Blackbridge, New York, United States
43°21′32″N 74°17′25″W / 43.3588°N 74.2902°W / 43.3588; -74.2902
Basin features
Basin size 158.3 sq mi (410 km2)
Tributaries

The West Branch Sacandaga River is a cool river located in the state of New York. It flows through the beautiful Adirondack Mountains, which are famous for their stunning natural scenery. This river is an important part of the larger Sacandaga River system. It eventually joins the main Sacandaga River in a place called Blackbridge, New York.

River's Journey

The West Branch Sacandaga River begins its journey at Meco Lake. This lake is its main source, meaning it's where the river starts flowing. From Meco Lake, the river winds its way through forests and valleys. It collects water from many smaller streams and creeks along the way.

Where the River Ends

After traveling for some distance, the West Branch Sacandaga River meets the main Sacandaga River. This meeting point is near Blackbridge, New York. The Sacandaga River then continues its path, eventually flowing into the Hudson River. This makes the West Branch Sacandaga River a part of a much larger water network that reaches all the way to the Atlantic Ocean.

What Are Tributaries?

A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake. Think of them as branches joining a main tree trunk. The West Branch Sacandaga River has many tributaries that feed water into it. These smaller waterways help to increase the amount of water in the main river. They also bring water from different parts of the surrounding land.

Tributaries Joining from the Right

Several streams flow into the West Branch Sacandaga River from its right side as you look downstream. These include:

Tributaries Joining from the Left

Other streams join the West Branch Sacandaga River from its left side. These are also important for the river's water supply. They include:

  • Whitman Flow
  • Good Luck Lake
  • State Brook
  • Shanty Brook
  • Teeter Creek
  • Piseco Outlet
  • Cold Brook
  • Hamilton Lake Stream
  • Dugway Creek
  • Jimmy Creek

River Basin and Importance

The area of land that drains water into a river and its tributaries is called a river basin. The West Branch Sacandaga River has a basin size of about 158.3 square miles. This means that all the rain and snow that falls within this large area eventually flows into the river.

Rivers like the West Branch Sacandaga are very important for many reasons:

  • They provide homes for fish and other wildlife.
  • They are a source of fresh water for plants and animals.
  • They can be used for fun activities like fishing, kayaking, and canoeing.
  • They play a big role in the natural environment of the Adirondack Mountains.
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West Branch Sacandaga River Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.