West Branch Run

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West Branch Run

West Branch Run.JPG

West Branch Run looking downstream
Other name(s) West Branch Little Fishing Creek
Physical characteristics
Main source Jordan Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania
approximately 1,260 feet (380 m)
River mouth Little Fishing Creek in Pine Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
679 ft (207 m)
41°08′48″N76°31′38″W / 41.14665°N 76.52723°W / 41.14665; -76.52723 Coordinates: 41°08′48″N76°31′38″W / 41.14665°N 76.52723°W / 41.14665; -76.52723
Length 7.3 mi (11.7 km)
Basin features
Progression Little Fishing Creek → Fishing Creek → Susquehanna River → Chesapeake Bay
Basin size 10.20 sq mi (26.4 km2)
Tributaries

West Branch Run (also known as West Branch Little Fishing Creek [1] ) is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Lycoming County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 7.3 miles (11.7 km) long and flows through Jordan Township, Lycoming County and . [2] The area of the stream's watershed is 10.20 square miles (26.4 km2). The stream's only named tributary is Shingle Run. West Branch Run flows through a valley known as California Hollow, which is listed as a "locally significant site" on the Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory. The Shoemaker Covered Bridge also crosses the stream, as does at least one other bridge in Lycoming County.

Little Fishing Creek creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Little Fishing Creek is a tributary of Fishing Creek in Sullivan County, Lycoming County, and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 23.5 miles (37.8 km) long and flows through eight townships. The watershed of the creek has an area of 68.1 square miles (176 km2). The creek has six named tributaries, of which the largest are Spruce Run and West Branch Run.

Lycoming County, Pennsylvania County in the United States

Lycoming County is a county located in the U.S. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 116,111. Its county seat is Williamsport.

Columbia County, Pennsylvania County in the United States

Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. As of the 2010 census, the population was 67,295. Its county seat is Bloomsburg. The county was created on March 22, 1813, from part of Northumberland County and named for Columbia, a poetic name for the United States that alludes to Christopher Columbus.

Contents

Course

West Branch Run in January West Branch Run in wintertime 1.JPG
West Branch Run in January

West Branch Run begins in Jordan Township, Lycoming County and flows southwest for more than a mile. It then turns south-southwest and flows for slightly over a mile until it exits Jordan Township. Upon leaving Jordan Township, the stream enters Pine Township. Here, it turns southwest for a short distance before turning southeast near Pine Summit. [2] The stream then flows through a fairly narrow valley known as California Hollow for some distance. [3] At the end of the valley, it receives Shingle Run, its only named tributary, and abruptly turns south. After more than a mile, West Branch Run passes the Shoemaker Covered Bridge, crossing Pennsylvania Route 442 on the way, and turns southeast. It then crosses Pennsylvania Route 442 again and shortly afterwards reaches its confluence with Little Fishing Creek. [2]

Jordan Township, Lycoming County, Pennsylvania Township in Pennsylvania, United States

Jordan Township is a township in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 878 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Williamsport, Pennsylvania Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Pine Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania Township in Pennsylvania, United States

Pine Township is a township in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, United States. The population was 1,046 at the 2010 census.

Shoemaker Covered Bridge covered bridge in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

The Shoemaker Covered Bridge is a historic wooden covered bridge located at Pine Township in Columbia County, Pennsylvania. It is a 49-foot-long (15 m), Queen Post Truss bridge constructed in 1881. It crosses West Branch Run and is one of 28 historic covered bridges in Columbia and Montour Counties. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

West Branch Run joins Little Fishing Creek 11.16 miles (17.96 km) upstream of its mouth. [4]

Tributaries

The only named tributary of West Branch Run is Shingle Run. [2] Shingle Run joins West Branch Run 1.82 miles (2.93 km) upstream of its mouth. Its watershed has an area of 1.63 square miles (4.2 km2). [4]

Hydrology, geography and geology

The elevation of West Branch Run near its mouth is 679 feet (207 m) above sea level. [5] At its headwaters, the stream has an elevation of approximately 1,260 feet (380 m) above sea level. [2]

West Branch Run flows through a valley known as California Hollow in Pine Township, Columbia County. [1]

West Branch Run has high levels of dissolved oxygen. [1]

Watershed

The watershed of West Branch Run has an area of 10.20 square miles (26.4 km2). [4] There are no roads along West Branch Run where it flows through California Hollow. The stream is one of only a few streams in Columbia County with this property. [1]

The Shoemaker Covered Bridge was built over West Branch Run in 1884 by T.S. Christian. The bridge is 49 feet (15 m) long. It was rehabilitated in 2008. [6] A bridge carrying the road T-720 was built over the stream in 1936. It is 26.9 feet (8.2 m) long. [7]

Biology

California Hollow, which West Branch Run flows through, is listed as a "locally significant site" on the Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory. [1]

Hemlock and white pine inhabit the slopes of California Hollow. According to the Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory, it may have a high level of diversity among native plants and few invasive plants. [1]

Trout reproduce naturally in West Branch Run. [8]

See also

Related Research Articles

Larrys Creek tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River

Larrys Creek is a 22.9-mile-long (36.9 km) tributary of the West Branch Susquehanna River in Lycoming County in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. A part of the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin, its watershed drains 89.1 square miles (231 km2) in six townships and a borough. The creek flows south from the dissected Allegheny Plateau to the Ridge-and-valley Appalachians through sandstone, limestone, and shale from the Devonian, Mississippian, and Pennsylvanian periods.

Little Muncy Creek creek in Pennsylvania, United States

Little Muncy Creek is the major tributary of Muncy Creek in Lycoming and Sullivan Counties, Pennsylvania, United States. Via Muncy Creek and the West Branch Susquehanna River, it is part of the Susquehanna River drainage basin and waters from it flow ultimately into the Chesapeake Bay.

Huntington Creek (Pennsylvania) tributary of Fishing Creek (North Branch Susquehanna River) in Luzerne and Columbia counties, Pennsylvania

Huntington Creek is a tributary of Fishing Creek in Luzerne and Columbia counties, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 29.5 miles (47.5 km) long.

Spruce Run (Little Fishing Creek tributary) tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Spruce Run is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 6.9 miles (11.1 km) long and flows through Madison Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 9.80 square miles (25.4 km2). Several people settled on the stream in the 1780s and 1790s. Two bridges were built over it in the 20th century.

Shingle Run (West Branch Run tributary) tributary of West Branch Run in Lycoming and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania

Shingle Run is a tributary of West Branch Run in Lycoming County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km) long and flows through Jordan Township, Lycoming County and Pine Township, Columbia County. Its watershed has an area of 1.63 square miles (4.2 km2) and the stream has various unnamed tributaries. At least one bridge crosses the stream. The stream is inhabited by trout. It is named after nearby sawmills.

Lick Run (Little Fishing Creek tributary) tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Lycoming and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania

Lick Run is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Lycoming County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 5.2 miles (8.4 km) long and flows through Jordan Township in Lycoming County and Pine Township, in Columbia County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 4.40 square miles (11.4 km2). The entire drainage basin is considered to be a Coldwater Fishery and a portion of the stream is considered to be Class A Wild Trout Waters. At least one bridge crosses the stream.

Wolfhouse Run tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Wolfhouse Run is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) long and flows through Pine Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.03 square miles (5.3 km2). The steam is considered to be an Exceptional Value stream and a Coldwater Fishery. However, it is considered to be impaired as well. At least two bridges and one sawmill have been built over or on the stream.

Devil Hole Run tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Devil Hole Run is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.7 miles (4.3 km) long and flows through Pine Township. The stream is mostly surrounded by forested land and it is part of a Locally Significant Area listed on the Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory. It has a single named tributary. Plantlife common in the vicinity of the stream include hemlock trees. Trout inhabit the stream itself.

Kline Hollow Run tributary of Devil Hole Run in Lycoming and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania

Kline Hollow Run is a tributary of Devil Hole Run in Lycoming County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 3.6 miles (5.8 km) long and flows through Jordan Township in Lycoming County and Pine Township in Columbia County. The stream is mostly surrounded by forested land and it is part of a Locally Significant Area listed on the Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory. Plantlife common in the vicinity of the stream include hemlock trees and trout inhabit the stream itself. The stream is considered to be an Exceptional Value stream.

Little Brier Run tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Lycoming and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania

Little Brier Run is a tributary of Little Fishing Creek in Lycoming County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.9 miles (4.7 km) and flows through Jordan Township in Lycoming County and Pine Township in Columbia County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.62 square miles (6.8 km2). The stream itself is inhabited by trout and is considered to be an Exceptional Value stream and a Migratory Fishery. It has one unnamed tributary. Various wetlands are present in the vicinity of the stream and its unnamed tributary.

Culley Run river in the United States of America

Culley Run is a tributary of Fishing Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 1.4 miles (2.3 km) long and flows through Benton Township. The stream's watershed has an area of 1.45 square miles (3.8 km2). Shale, sandstone, alluvium, and glacial till can be found in the watershed. At least one bridge crosses the stream. The stream is most likely named after Alexander Colley, Sr.

Elk Run (West Branch Fishing Creek tributary) tributary of West Branch Fishing Creek in Sullivan and Columbia Counties, Pennsylvania

Elk Run is tributary of West Branch Fishing Creek in Sullivan County and Columbia County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) long and flows through Davidson Township in Sullivan County and Sugarloaf Township in Columbia County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 7.49 square miles (19.4 km2). The stream has three named tributaries: Gallows Run, Hog Run, and Long Run. Elk Run is considered to be an Exceptional Value stream and a Migratory Fishery. The forests surrounding it are deemed by the Sullivan County Natural Areas Inventory to be a "locally significant" area. The stream is named for an elk that was killed in it in the 1840s.

Shingle Mill Run is a tributary of West Branch Fishing Creek in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.4 miles (3.9 km) long and flows through Davidson Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.60 square miles (6.7 km2). The stream has one named tributary, Bearwallow Run. Shingle Mill Run is designated as an Exceptional Value stream and has a population of native trout. The stream has high water quality and is slightly acidic. Boulder Colluvium and bedrock consisting of sandstone and shale can be found near the stream.

Laurel Run is a tributary of West Branch Fishing Creek in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) long and flows through Davidson Township. The stream is in the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Elk Grove. Wisconsinan Flow-Till, Boulder Colluvium, Wisconsinan Till Moraine, alluvium, and alluvial fan occur in the vicinity of the stream, as does bedrock consisting of sandstone and shale. The southern terminus of the late Wisconsinan glaciation is also in the area. A wood plank bridge on stone masonry abutment walls crosses the stream.

Deep Hollow is a tributary of West Branch Fishing Creek in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 0.8 miles (1.3 km) long and flows through Davidson Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 0.53 square miles (1.4 km2). Wild trout naturally reproduce in the stream. The surficial geology in the area mainly features bedrock consisting of sandstone and shale, as well as a small amount of Boulder Colluvium and alluvium.

Spencer Run is a tributary of West Creek in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.1 miles (3.4 km) long and flows through Jackson Township and Benton Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 2.07 square miles (5.4 km2). Wild trout naturally reproduce in the stream. The surficial geology in the area mainly features Illinoian Till, Illinoian Leg, alluvium, colluvium, and bedrock.

Shepman Run

Shepman Run is a tributary of Little Muncy Creek in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 2.6 miles (4.2 km) long and flows through Moreland Township. The watershed of the stream has an area of 1.59 square miles (4.1 km2). A covered bridge crosses the stream. Shepman Run is classified as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery.

Laurel Run is a tributary of Little Muncy Creek in Columbia County and Lycoming County, in Pennsylvania, in the United States. It is approximately 6.8 miles (10.9 km) long and flows through Madison Township and Pine Township in Columbia County and Franklin Township and Moreland Township in Lycoming County. The watershed of the stream has an area of 12.2 square miles (32 km2). It is classified as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. A number of bridges have been constructed over the stream.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 The Pennsylvania Science Office of the Nature Conservancy (2004), Columbia County Natural Areas Inventory 2004 (PDF), retrieved July 29, 2014
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 United States Geological Survey, The National Map Viewer , retrieved July 27, 2014
  3. ↑ Google Maps, 2014, retrieved July 27, 2014
  4. 1 2 3 Pennsylvania Gazetteer of Streams (PDF), November 2, 2001, p. 101, retrieved July 27, 2014
  5. ↑ Topographic Map Stream Features in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania , retrieved July 27, 2014
  6. ↑ Columbia County , retrieved July 29, 2014
  7. ↑ Lycoming County , retrieved July 29, 2014
  8. ↑ PHASE, I BACKGROUND STUDIES COLUMBIA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA (PDF), August 3, 1993, retrieved July 29, 2014
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