Willow Creek (Grand and Uintah counties, Utah) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Willow Creek |
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Location of the mouth of Willow Creek in Utah
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| Country | United States |
| State | Utah |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Roan Cliffs Grand County 6,794 ft (2,071 m) 39°20′32″N 109°39′51″W / 39.34222°N 109.66417°W |
| River mouth | Green River Uintah County 4,642 ft (1,415 m) 40°01′37″N 109°44′35″W / 40.02694°N 109.74306°W |
| Length | 78 mi (126 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 897 sq mi (2,320 km2) |
Willow Creek is an important stream in Utah, United States. It flows north and eventually joins the Green River. This creek helps drain a large, wild area called the East Tavaputs Plateau. It flows into the Green River south of a town called Ouray.
Contents
Where Willow Creek Flows
Willow Creek starts in Grand County. It begins where two smaller streams, the East and West Forks, meet. This spot is about 25 miles (40 km) north of Thompson, Utah. The area is north of the Roan Cliffs.
Starting Points of the Forks
The East Willow Creek begins high up at 8,504 feet (2,592 m) from a spring. The West Willow Creek is shorter and starts a bit lower at 8,359 feet (2,548 m). She Canyon joins the East Willow Creek before it meets the West Fork. Together, they form the main Willow Creek.
Journey Through Uintah County
From its start, Willow Creek flows north into Uintah County. It passes through the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. The creek carves its way through a deep, rugged valley (or gorge) across the East Tavaputs Plateau.
Several other streams flow into Willow Creek from the east. These include Meadow Creek, Main Canyon, and Sunday School Canyon. After Sunday School Canyon, Willow Creek flows through a wider valley. This valley is along the east side of Big Pack Mountain.
Meeting Hill Creek
Willow Creek then meets Hill Creek, which is its largest branch (or tributary). Hill Creek is almost as long as Willow Creek itself. It flows roughly next to Willow Creek, a few miles to the west. After they join, Willow Creek turns northwest. It then flows into the Green River. This meeting point is about 5 miles (8.0 km) south of Ouray. It is also about 3 miles (4.8 km) below where the White River joins the Green River.
Water Use and Quality
There are no dams directly on Willow Creek. However, there is one dam on Hill Creek, which creates Towave Reservoir. People use Willow Creek's water mainly for farming, especially to provide water for livestock like cows. The water in Willow Creek has many dissolved solids. This means it is considered an "impaired water body," which means it's not as clean as it should be for some uses.
