North Branch Shamokin Creek

North Branch Shamokin Creek
Beaver Creek
North Branch Shamokin Creek
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationvalley near Big Mountain, in Wilburton Number Two, in Conyngham Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania
 • elevationbetween 1,480 and 1,500 feet (450 and 460 m)
Mouth 
 • location
Shamokin Creek in Mount Carmel Township, Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
 • coordinates
40°47′30″N 76°26′29″W / 40.7916°N 76.4413°W / 40.7916; -76.4413
 • elevation
1,027 ft (313 m)
Length4.8 mi (7.7 km)
Basin size5.73 sq mi (14.8 km2)
Basin features
ProgressionShamokin Creek → Susquehanna RiverChesapeake Bay

North Branch Shamokin Creek (also known as Beaver Creek) is a tributary of Shamokin Creek in Columbia County and Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km) long and flows through Conyngham Township in Columbia County and Mount Carmel Township in Northumberland County.[1] The watershed of the creek has an area of 5.73 square miles (14.8 km2). The entirety of the creek is designated as an impaired waterbody due to metals from abandoned mine drainage. It is acidic, but its pH has been increasing. Underground mine complexes occur within the watershed. The creek has a permeable streambed and experiences flow loss.

A colliery historically discharged waste water into North Branch Shamokin Creek. A number of bridges have been constructed over the creek. Its drainage basin is designated as a Coldwater Fishery and a Migratory Fishery. However, the creek is incapable of supporting aquatic life, including fish and macroinvertebrates.

  1. ^ United States Geological Survey, The National Map Viewer, retrieved August 19, 2015