The Snake River is one of the principal rivers of the Pacific Northwest in the United States. It is approximately 1040 miles (1670 km) long and drains an area of 98000 square miles (250000 km2) which is about one-fifth of the area of the U.S. state of Idaho. Rising in western Wyoming the Snake flows through the Snake River Plain of southern Idaho and eastern Oregon before emptying into the Columbia River at Tri-Cities Washington.
The Snake River is the largest tributary of the Columbia River accounting for about 15% of the Columbia’s flow. It is also one of the largest rivers in North America. The Snake River Plain is a physiographic section of the larger Basin and Range Province and is a vast area that extends into central Idaho and western Wyoming. At 1078 miles (1735 km) long and an average elevation of 5600 feet (1700 m) above sea level it is the largest valley on the continent.
The Snake River is believed to have been named by French-Canadian trappers who in the 18th century called it the “snake” because of its wavy meandering course through the Snake River Plain.
The river was historically significant as the primary waterway of the northwestern United States and its discharge into the Columbia River marked the boundary between the United States and British North America. The river was also a major route for westward expansion during the 19th century.
The Snake River is now known for its world-class trout fishing white-water rafting and windsurfing. It is also home to a number of endangered or threatened species including the Snake River Valley cutthroat trout the Chinook salmon and the white sturgeon.
1.
Where is the Snake River located?
The Snake River is located in the Western United States in the states of Wyoming Idaho and Oregon.
2.
How long is the Snake River?
The Snake River is 1078 miles long.
3.
What is the Snake River’s average depth?
The average depth of the Snake River is 5 feet.
4.
How many tributaries does the Snake River have?
The Snake River has over 500 tributaries.
5.
What is the highest point of the Snake River watershed?
The highest point of the Snake River watershed is 12943 feet at the summit of King Peak in Idaho.
6.
What is the lowest point of the Snake River watershed?
The lowest point of the Snake River watershed is 710 feet at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers.
7.
What is the Snake River’s drainage basin?
The Snake River’s drainage basin covers parts of Wyoming Idaho Utah Nevada Oregon and Washington.
8.
What is the Snake River’s average discharge?
The Snake River’s average discharge is approximately 43000 cubic feet per second.
9.
What is the Snake River’s watershed area?
The Snake River’s watershed area is approximately 98000 square miles.
10.
What are the major cities located along the Snake River?
The major cities located along the Snake River include Jackson Wyoming; Boise Idaho; and Spokane Washington.
11.
What are the Snake River’s major dams?
The Snake River’s major dams include the Jackson Dam the American Falls Dam and the Hells Canyon Dam.
12.
What is the Snake River’s primary use?
The primary use of the Snake River is for irrigation.
13.
What fish can be found in the Snake River?
Some of the fish that can be found in the Snake River include trout bass and salmon.
14.
What animals live near the Snake River?
Some of the animals that live near the Snake River include elk deer and bighorn sheep.
15.
What is the Snake River’s history?
The Snake River has been a major transportation route for centuries and was an important factor in the westward expansion of the United States.
