Lake Run
Introduction
Lake Run is a notable tributary located in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, within the United States. Spanning approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) in length, this stream flows through Covington Township and is recognized for its ecological significance and geological features. Lake Run’s watershed covers an area of 3.44 square miles (8.9 km²), with a variety of natural landscapes including wetlands and lakes. This article will explore the course of Lake Run, its tributaries, hydrology, geography and geology, watershed details, history, and biological significance.
Course of Lake Run
Lake Run originates from Henry Lake, situated in the community of Eagle Lake in Covington Township. The stream begins its journey by flowing west-northwest for several tenths of a mile before making a turn to the north-northwest. For more than a mile, Lake Run meanders through a valley that borders Eagle Lake, where it receives its sole named tributary, Emerson Run, from the left side. After departing from the border of Eagle Lake, Lake Run continues to flow northwest for several hundred feet until it reaches its confluence with Roaring Brook.
The confluence occurs approximately 17.50 miles (28.16 km) upstream from where Roaring Brook empties into the Lackawanna River. This positioning places Lake Run as a significant contributor to the larger watershed system that ultimately feeds into the Lackawanna River.
Tributaries of Lake Run
Lake Run has one named tributary: Emerson Run. This tributary joins Lake Run approximately 0.84 miles (1.35 km) upstream from its mouth at Roaring Brook. The watershed area of Emerson Run covers about 1.58 square miles (4.1 km²). The presence of such tributaries contributes to the overall hydrological dynamics of Lake Run and enhances its ecological diversity.
The interaction between Lake Run and Emerson Run provides essential habitat for various aquatic species and supports the water quality within the watershed.
Hydrology
The hydrology of Lake Run is characterized by a concentration of alkalinity measured at 15 milligrams per liter. This level suggests a relatively healthy aquatic environment conducive to supporting diverse wildlife populations. However, it is also important to note that rainwater from the adjacent Covington Industrial Park has been discharged into the stream, which may influence water quality and ecosystem health.
Monitoring the hydrological characteristics of Lake Run is crucial for maintaining its status as a high-quality coldwater fishery and ensuring that it continues to support wild trout populations.
Geography and Geology
The geographical features surrounding Lake Run are defined by varied elevations and geological formations. Near its mouth, the elevation stands at approximately 1,654 feet (504 m) above sea level, while the source elevation near Henry Lake is higher at around 1,900 feet (580 m). This elevation difference contributes to the stream’s flow dynamics and habitat diversity.
The surficial geology in proximity to Lake Run includes various formations such as bedrock composed of conglomeratic sandstone, sandstone, and shale; Wisconsinan Ice-Contact Stratified Drift; Wisconsinan Till; alluvium; fill materials; and sand and gravel pits. These geological features play a significant role in shaping the stream’s course and supporting its ecological functions.
In particular, further upstream, Boulder Colluvium is present, containing numerous boulders made of conglomerate, quartz, and sandstone. Additionally, wetlands and peat bogs can be found within this region, contributing to the area’s biodiversity.
Watershed Characteristics
The watershed of Lake Run encompasses an area of 3.44 square miles (8.9 km²), existing entirely within the United States Geological Survey quadrangle of Sterling. It is important to highlight that access to the lower 1.1 miles (1.8 km) of this stream is restricted due to private land ownership.
Henry Lake, which spans an area of 68 acres (28 ha), resides within the watershed of Lake Run and is dammed by the Lake Henry Dam. Reports from the late 1970s indicated that while the dam itself was in good condition, concerns arose regarding its spillway’s capacity to manage overflow adequately.
Historical Context
The historical significance of Lake Run is underscored by its inclusion in the Geographic Names Information System on August 2, 1979, where it was assigned identifier number 1178786. This recognition highlights its importance as a geographical feature within Pennsylvania’s landscape.
Moreover, there have been proposals for utility lines crossing wetlands near Lake Run, indicating ongoing interest in developing infrastructure that interacts with this natural resource.
Biological Importance
Biologically speaking, Lake Run is home to wild trout that reproduce naturally within parts of its reach. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission classifies sections of this stream as Class A Wild Trout Waters for both brook trout and brown trout species. This classification signifies that these waters are among Pennsylvania’s highest quality streams for fishing and ecological health.
The designation as a High-Quality Coldwater Fishery further emphasizes the biological significance of Lake Run. The coldwater environment supports various aquatic species while providing essential habitats for their life cycles.
Conclusion
In summary, Lake Run is an important tributary in Lackawanna County that contributes significantly to both local ecology and hydrology. Its unique geographical features, combined with rich biological diversity—including wild trout populations—underscore its value as a natural resource within Pennsylvania’s river systems. Continued monitoring and responsible management are essential to preserving this vital waterway for future generations while balancing ecological health with potential development pressures in surrounding areas.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).