Sand Spring Run

Last updated • 3 min readFrom Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
Sand Spring Run
Sand Spring Run looking downstream.jpg
Sand Spring Run looking downstream
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationshallow valley on a mountain in Lewis Township, Union County, Pennsylvania
 • elevation1,768 ft (539 m)
Mouth  
 • location
White Deer Creek in West Buffalo Township, Union County, Pennsylvania near White Deer
 • coordinates
 41°03′32″N77°04′30″W / 41.05897°N 77.07495°W / 41.05897; -77.07495 Coordinates: 41°03′32″N77°04′30″W / 41.05897°N 77.07495°W / 41.05897; -77.07495
 • elevation
1,033 ft (315 m)
Length5.7 mi (9.2 km)
Discharge 
 • average6.06 cu ft/s (0.172 m3/s)
Basin features
ProgressionWhite Deer Creek → West Branch Susquehanna River → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay
Tributaries 
 • lefttwo unnamed tributaries
 • rightone unnamed tributary

Sand Spring Run is a tributary of White Deer Creek in Union County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 5.7 miles (9.2 km) long and flows through Lewis Township and West Buffalo Township. [1] The watershed of the stream has an area of 4.94 square miles (12.8 km2). The stream is not designated as an impaired waterbody. It is a mountainous freestone stream and is mostly in Bald Eagle State Forest.

Contents

Course

Sand Spring Run looking upstream Sand Spring Run looking upstream.jpg
Sand Spring Run looking upstream

Sand Spring Run begins in a shallow valley on a mountain in Lewis Township. It flows east for several tenths of a mile, passing through two ponds before turning south for several tenths of a mile as its valley deepens. The stream then turns west-southwest for a few tenths of a mile before turning south-southeast. After a few tenths of a mile, it crosses Interstate 80 and turns east-northeast for a few miles, flowing alongside Interstate 80 through a valley. It then receives an unnamed tributary from the left and enters West Buffalo Township. Here, the stream continues flowing east-northeast for a few miles, receiving an unnamed tributary from the right and one from the left. Its valley then broadens and it reaches its confluence with White Deer Creek. [1]

Sand Spring Run joins White Deer Creek 12.48 miles (20.08 km) upstream of its mouth. [2]

Hydrology

Sand Spring Run is not designated as an impaired waterbody. [3] The average daily discharge of the stream was once found to be approximately 6.06 cubic feet per second (0.172 m3/s). [4] Between water year 1969 and water year 1980, the average annual discharge of the stream ranged from 5.37 cubic feet per second (0.152 m3/s) in water year 1969 to 14.4 cubic feet per second (0.41 m3/s) in water year 1978. [5]

There is a stream gauge on Sand Spring Run near White Deer. [6]

Geography and geology

The streambed of Sand Spring Run Streambed of Sand Spring Run.jpg
The streambed of Sand Spring Run

The elevation near the mouth of Sand Spring Run is 1,033 feet (315 m) above sea level. [7] The elevation of the stream's source is 1,768 feet (539 m) above sea level. [1]

Sand Spring Run is in the Ridge and Valley Freestone region. It is a mountainous freestone stream. [4]

Watershed

The watershed of Sand Spring Run has an area of 4.94 square miles (12.8 km2). [2] The mouth of the stream is in the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Williamsport SE. However, its source is in the quadrangle of 1186931. [7] The stream's mouth is located near White Deer. [2]

The designated use for Sand Spring Run is aquatic life. [3] A road known as State Route 1010 (White Deer Pike Road/Sugar Valley Narrows Road) flows alongside the stream, as does Interstate 80. [8]

History and recreation

Sand Spring Run was entered into the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979. Its identifier in the Geographic Names Information System is 1186931. [7]

The Sugar Valley Railroad, which was incorporated on October 19, 1900, passed near Sand Spring Run. However, it was abandoned by 1904 or 1905. [9]

Virtually all of Sand Spring Run is within Bald Eagle State Forest. [10]

Biology

Wild trout naturally reproduce in Sand Spring Run in its lower 4.47 miles (7.19 km). [11] Both brook trout and brown trout inhabit the stream. [4]

See also

Related Research Articles

White Deer Hole Creek Tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River

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White Deer Creek

White Deer Creek is a tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River in Centre County and Union County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 28 miles (45 km) long and flows through Miles Township in Centre County and Hartley Township, Lewis Township, West Buffalo Township, and White Deer Township in Union County. The watershed of the creek has an area of 45.1 square miles (117 km2). Parts of the creek are designated as impaired. The creek's discharge near White Deer can be as low as 3 cubic feet per second (0.085 m3/s) or as high as 169 cubic feet per second (4.8 m3/s).

Wallace Run is a tributary of Bald Eagle Creek in Centre County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is 12.1 miles (19.5 km) long and is a low-alkalinity stream. The stream flows through Union Township and Boggs Township in Centre County. Most of the watershed is in Boggs Township. North Branch Wallace Run is one tributary of the stream. The watershed has an area of 24 square miles. Oaks, maples, ash trees, birches, hemlocks, and rhododendrons all exist in the upper reaches of the stream, which is mostly forested. The lower reaches of the stream are mostly developed.

Spruce Run (Buffalo Creek tributary)

Spruce Run is a tributary of Buffalo Creek in Union County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 14 miles (23 km) long and flows through Hartley Township, Lewis Township, West Buffalo Township, White Deer Township, Buffalo Township, and Kelly Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 27.2 square miles (70 km2). The stream has two named tributaries: Black Run and Muddy Run. It is not designated as an impaired waterbody, but it is affected by sediment and nutrients.

Rapid Run (Buffalo Creek tributary)

Rapid Run is a tributary of Buffalo Creek in Centre County and Union County in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 14.4 miles (23.2 km) long and flows through Miles Township in Centre County and Hartley Township, Lewis Township, West Buffalo Township, and Buffalo Township in Union County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 18.7 square miles (48 km2). Some streams in the watershed are impacted by nutrients, sediment, E. coli, and thermal radiation and one unnamed tributary is designated as an impaired waterbody. Rapid Run is a freestone mountain stream in the ridge and valley physiographic province. It flows through a lake known as Halfway Lake and also passes through the Rapid Run Gap.

South Run (Bowman Creek tributary)

South Run is a tributary of Bowman Creek in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and flows through Monroe Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 3.42 square miles (8.9 km2). It is not designated as an impaired waterbody. The surficial geology in the vicinity of the stream consists of alluvium, alluvial terrace, and Wisconsinan Till. Its watershed is designated as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.

Beaver Run (Bowman Creek tributary)

Beaver Run is a tributary of Bowman Creek in Luzerne County and Wyoming County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 7.7 miles (12.4 km) long and flows through Lake Township in Luzerne County and Noxen Township in Wyoming County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 10.6 square miles (27 km2). It is not designated as an impaired waterbody. The surficial geology in its vicinity includes alluvial fan, alluvial terrace, alluvium, Wisconsinan Till, Wisconsinan Ice-Contact Stratified Drift, fill, wetlands, and bedrock.

Broad Hollow Run is a tributary of Bowman Creek in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 1.0 mile (1.6 km) long and flows through Noxen Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 1.04 square miles (2.7 km2). The surficial geology in the vicinity of the stream consists of alluvium, alluvial fan, and Wisconsinan Till. Its watershed is designated as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.

Cider Run (Bowman Creek tributary)

Cider Run is a tributary of Bowman Creek in Wyoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and flows through Forkston Township and Noxen Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 3.77 square miles (9.8 km2). The stream is not designated as an impaired waterbody. Its watershed is classified as Exceptional Value waters and a Migratory Fishery and the stream is designated as a Wilderness Trout Stream.

Dry Run is a tributary of Susquehecka Creek in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long and flows through Washington Township and Freeburg. The watershed of the stream has an area of 1.83 square miles (4.7 km2). The stream has one unnamed tributary. Both Dry Run and its unnamed tributary are impaired by siltation due to agriculture. Dry Run has been known to experience flooding in Freeburg.

Kern Run is a tributary of Middle Creek in Snyder County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 5.7 miles (9.2 km) long and flows through Spring Township, Beaver Township, and Beavertown. The watershed of the stream has an area of 12.3 square miles (32 km2). The stream has two named tributaries: Luphers Run and Wetzel Run. Kern Run is dammed in one place to produce a 24-acre (9.7 ha) lake for drinking water and flood control. Some reaches of the stream are impaired. A number of bridges have also been constructed across it. The drainage basin of the stream is designated as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. Wild trout naturally reproduce within it.

Lick Run (White Deer Creek tributary)

Lick Run is a tributary of White Deer Creek in Union County and Lycoming County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long and flows through White Deer Township in Union County and Washington Township in Lycoming County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.10 square miles (5.4 km2). The stream has one unnamed tributary. Wild trout naturally reproduce within Lick Run, and beavers began assembling a dam on it at least once.

Mile Run (White Deer Creek tributary)

Mile Run is a tributary of White Deer Creek in Union County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 1.9 miles (3.1 km) long and flows through West Buffalo Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 1.57 square miles (4.1 km2). It has been described as a "spring run". Wild trout naturally reproduce within the stream and numerous bryophyte species have been observed in its vicinity.

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Spring Run (West Branch Susquehanna River tributary)

Spring Run is a tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.3 miles (3.7 km) long and flows through Delaware Township and Watsontown. The watershed of the stream has an area of 1.34 square miles (3.5 km2). The stream is designated as an impaired waterbody due to sedimentation/siltation and unknown causes. The stream is classified as a Warmwater Fishery.

Beartrap Hollow is a tributary of White Deer Hole Creek in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long and flows through Washington Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 0.42 square miles (1.1 km2). The stream is not designated as an impaired waterbody. Much of the stream's length is on South White Deer Ridge and it is near Tiadaghton State Forest.

Spring Creek (White Deer Hole Creek tributary)

Spring Creek is a tributary of White Deer Hole Creek in Lycoming County and Union County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 8.2 miles (13.2 km) long and flows through Washington Township in Lycoming County and Gregg Township in Union County. The watershed of the creek has an area of 21.1 square miles (55 km2). The creek is not designated as an impaired waterbody. The area in its vicinity was settled by 1787 and a mill was constructed on it in 1842. A number of bridges have been constructed over the creek. Its drainage basin is designated as a Trout Stocked Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.

Fidlers Run

Fidlers Run is a tributary of the Susquehanna River in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 3.1 miles (5.0 km) long and flows through Jackson Township and Lower Mahanoy Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 6.88 square miles (17.8 km2). The stream is not designated as an impaired waterbody, although a reaches of a few of its unnamed tributaries are. It is a small stream, with a width of 3 to 5 feet. Large areas of agricultural land occur along a substantial portion of its length.

Silver Creek is a tributary of Saucon Creek in Northampton County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and flows through Lower Saucon Township and Hellertown. The watershed of the creek has an area of 2.89 square miles (7.5 km2). The creek is a very small stream that is urban in its lower reaches. However, it is not designated as an impaired waterbody and is inhabited by trout. The creek has been a major source of flooding in Hellertown.

Polk Valley Run is a tributary of Saucon Creek in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. It is approximately 1.9 miles (3.1 km) long and flows through Lower Saucon Township and Hellertown. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.13 square miles (5.5 km2). A reach of the stream is designated as an impaired waterbody due to siltation from agriculture. However, wild trout and other wildlife are present in and around it. Most of the watershed is forested.

References

  1. 1 2 3 United States Geological Survey, The National Map Viewer , retrieved January 13, 2015
  2. 1 2 3 Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams (PDF), November 2, 2001, p. 124, retrieved January 14, 2016
  3. 1 2 United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2006 Waterbody Report for Sand Spring Run , retrieved January 13, 2015
  4. 1 2 3 INSTREAM FLOW STUDIES PENNSYLVANIA AND MARYLAND (PDF), May 1998, pp. 74, 130, 179, retrieved January 13, 2016
  5. ↑ United States Geological Survey, USGS 01553130 Sand Spring Run near White Deer, PA , retrieved January 13, 2015
  6. ↑ C. A. Billingsley; B. A. Anderson (1976), Surface Water Supply of the United States 1966-70: North Atlantic slope ..., p. 361, retrieved January 13, 2016
  7. 1 2 3 Geographic Names Information System, Feature Detail Report for: Sand Spring Run , retrieved January 13, 2015
  8. ↑ Union County Planning Commission, Herbert, Rowland & Grubic, Inc. (June 2003), White Deer Watershed Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan June 2003 (PDF), p. 17, retrieved January 13, 2015CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ↑ Mary B. Lontz (December 9, 2004), "Trail of History", Mifflinburg Telegraph , retrieved January 13, 2016
  10. ↑ Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bald Eagle State Forest (PDF), retrieved January 13, 2015
  11. ↑ Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (October 2015), Pennsylvania Wild Trout Waters (Natural Reproduction) - October 2015 (PDF), p. 88, retrieved January 13, 2015
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