Wetzel Run facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wetzel Run |
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|---|---|
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | large ridge in Beaver Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania 1,883 ft (574 m) |
| River mouth | Kern Run in Beaver Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania near Beavertown 587 ft (179 m) 40°45′36″N 77°10′24″W / 40.76011°N 77.17322°W |
| Length | 4.3 mi (6.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Kern Run → Middle Creek → Penns Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay |
| Basin size | 3.58 sq mi (9.3 km2) |
| Tributaries |
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Wetzel Run is a small stream, or "run," in Snyder County, Pennsylvania. It flows into another stream called Kern Run. Wetzel Run is about 4.3 miles (6.9 km) long. It runs through Beaver Township.
The area of land that drains into Wetzel Run, called its watershed, is about 3.58 square miles (9.3 km2). A bridge for US Route 522 crosses over the stream. Wild trout live and have their babies in Wetzel Run.
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Where Does Wetzel Run Flow?
Wetzel Run starts high up on a big ridge in Beaver Township. It flows northwest for a short distance. Then it turns north-northeast. A smaller, unnamed stream joins it from the right side.
The stream keeps winding, turning north-northwest, then northeast. Another unnamed stream joins it from the right. At this point, Wetzel Run reaches the bottom of the ridge. It then turns north, then northwest.
After a bit more flowing, the stream turns west. Then it turns north-northwest. Here, it crosses under US Route 522 and gets close to Thomas Ridge. The stream then goes underground for a while. It flows west before joining Kern Run.
Wetzel Run meets Kern Run about 1.10 miles (1.77 km) before Kern Run reaches its own end.
How High Is Wetzel Run?
The land where Wetzel Run joins Kern Run is about 587 feet (179 m) above sea level. Where Wetzel Run begins, its source, is much higher. It is about 1,883 feet (574 m) above sea level.
What Is Wetzel Run's Watershed Like?
The watershed of Wetzel Run covers an area of about 3.58 square miles (9.3 km2). This is the total land area where all the rain and snow melt eventually flow into Wetzel Run.
The end of the stream is near Beavertown. This area is shown on the United States Geological Survey map called "Beavertown." However, the stream's beginning is on the map called "Beaver Springs."
Sometimes, flooding can happen along Wetzel Run. This has been seen near the town of Beavertown and in Beaver Township.
History of Wetzel Run
Wetzel Run was officially added to the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. This system helps keep track of names for places like rivers and mountains. Its special ID number is 1191196.
The US Route 522 Bridge
A bridge for US Route 522 was built over Wetzel Run in 1927. This old bridge was made of concrete and was 24 feet (7.3 m) long. It was also quite narrow.
Over time, the old bridge wore out. It was no longer safe enough for modern traffic. So, in 2012, a new bridge was built to replace it. The new bridge cost $456,000.
The new bridge is a precast concrete box culvert bridge. It has two wide lanes, each 12-foot (3.7 m) wide. It also has wide shoulders, 8-foot (2.4 m) wide, for safety. The new bridge opened on August 27, 2012. It is expected to last for at least 50 years.
Wildlife in Wetzel Run
Wild trout live and have their babies in Wetzel Run. They naturally reproduce in about 3.59 miles (5.78 km) of the stream's length. This means the stream is a healthy home for these fish.
