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Coordinates: 64°09′19″N 145°51′35″W / 64.15528°N 145.85972°W / 64.15528; -145.85972
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{{short description|River in the United States of America}}
{{Infobox river
{{Infobox river
| name = Delta River
| name = Delta River
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| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_type4 = Census Area
| subdivision_type4 = Census Area
| subdivision_name4 = [[Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska|Valdez–Cordova]], [[Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska|Southeast Fairbanks]]
| subdivision_name4 = [[Copper River Census Area, Alaska|Copper River]], [[Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska|Southeast Fairbanks]]
| subdivision_type5 =
| subdivision_type5 =
| subdivision_name5 =
| subdivision_name5 =
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<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| source1 = [[Tangle Lakes]]
| source1 = [[Tangle Lakes]]
| source1_location = Amphitheater Mountains, [[Alaska Range]], Valdez–Cordova Census Area
| source1_location = Amphitheater Mountains, [[Alaska Range]], Copper River Census Area
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|63|09|14|N|145|56|54|W|display=inline}}<ref name="gnis"/>
| source1_coordinates= {{Coord|63|09|14|N|145|56|54|W|display=inline}}<ref name="gnis"/>
| source1_elevation = {{convert|2823|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>Derived by entering source coordinates in [[Google Earth]].</ref>
| source1_elevation = {{Convert|2823|ft|abbr=on}}<ref>Derived by entering source coordinates in [[Google Earth]].</ref>
| mouth = [[Tanana River]]
| mouth = [[Tanana River]]
| mouth_location = [[Big Delta, Alaska|Big Delta]], Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
| mouth_location = [[Big Delta, Alaska|Big Delta]], Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|64|09|19|N|145|51|35|W|display=inline,title}}<ref name="gnis">{{cite web | work = Geographic Names Information System| publisher = United States Geological Survey | date = March 31, 1981| url = {{gnis3|1401105}} | title =Delta River| accessdate = October 26, 2013}}</ref>
| mouth_coordinates = {{Coord|64|09|19|N|145|51|35|W|display=inline,title}}<ref name="gnis">{{cite web | work = Geographic Names Information System| publisher = United States Geological Survey | date = March 31, 1981| url = {{gnis3|1401105}} | title =Delta River| access-date = October 26, 2013}}</ref>
| mouth_elevation = {{convert|984|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="gnis"/>
| mouth_elevation = {{Convert|984|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name="gnis"/>
| progression =
| progression =
| river_system =
| river_system =
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}}
}}


The '''Delta River''' is an {{convert|80|mi|km|adj=on}} tributary of the [[Tanana River]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Alaska]].<ref name="gnis"/> Its name in the [[Ahtna language]] is ''Saas Na’&nbsp;''{{Pronunciation-needed}}. Fed by the [[Tangle Lakes]] of the [[Alaska Range]], the river flows north to meet the larger river near [[Big Delta, Alaska|Big Delta]].<ref name="DeLorme">{{cite book|title=Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer|publisher=DeLorme|location=Yarmouth, Maine|pages=96, 106, 116|edition=7th|year=2010|isbn=978-0-89933-289-5}}</ref>
The '''Delta River''' is an {{convert|80|mi|km|adj=on}} tributary of the [[Tanana River]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Alaska]].<ref name="gnis"/> Its name in the [[Ahtna language]] is ''Saas Na’&nbsp;''{{Pronunciation-needed}}. Fed by the [[Tangle Lakes]] of the [[Alaska Range]], the river flows north to meet the larger river near [[Big Delta, Alaska|Big Delta]].<ref name="DeLorme">{{cite book|title=Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer|publisher=DeLorme|location=Yarmouth, Maine|pages=96, 106, 116|edition=7th|year=2010|isbn=978-0-89933-289-5}}</ref> It is older than the [[Alaska Range]], being formed before their uplift 30 million years ago.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Connor |first1=Cathy |title=Roadside Geology of Alaska |date=2014 |publisher=Mountain Press Publishing Company |location=Missoula, Montana USA |isbn=978-0-87842-619-5 |page=157 |edition=2nd}}</ref>


In 1980, {{convert|62|mi|km}} of waterways in the Delta River basin, including all of the Tangle Lakes and the [[main stem]] to within {{convert|0.5|mi|km|1}} of [[Black Rapids Roadhouse|Black Rapids]] became part of the [[National Wild and Scenic Rivers System]]. Of this, {{convert|20|mi|km}} are designated "wild", {{convert|24|mi|km}} "scenic", and {{convert|18|mi|km}} "recreational".<ref>{{cite web|title=Delta River, Alaska|url=http://www.rivers.gov/rivers/delta.php|publisher=National Wild and Scenic Rivers|accessdate=October 27, 2013}}</ref>
In 1980, {{convert|62|mi|km}} of waterways in the Delta River basin, including all of the Tangle Lakes and the [[main stem]] to within {{convert|0.5|mi|km|1}} of [[Black Rapids Roadhouse|Black Rapids]] became part of the [[National Wild and Scenic Rivers System]]. Of this, {{convert|20|mi|km}} are designated "wild", {{convert|24|mi|km}} "scenic", and {{convert|18|mi|km}} "recreational".<ref>{{cite web|title=Delta River, Alaska|url=http://www.rivers.gov/rivers/delta.php|publisher=National Wild and Scenic Rivers|access-date=October 27, 2013}}</ref>


==Boating==
==Boating==
Easily accessible from the boat launch at the Tangle Lakes campground near the [[Denali Highway]] and at many points downstream along the [[Richardson Highway]], the river can be floated in sections that vary in difficulty from Class I (easy) to Class V (extremely difficult) on the [[International Scale of River Difficulty]] and may require [[portage]]s. The upstream stretches include four lakes and their Class II (medium) connecting channels. About {{convert|2|mi|km|0}} downstream of the last lake, the river enters a canyon and flows over unrunnable waterfalls. A {{convert|0.5|mi|km|0|adj=on}} portage leads to a {{convert|2|mi|km|0|adj=on}} stretch of Class III (difficult) rapids.<ref name="Jettmar">{{cite book|last=Jettmar|first=Karen|title=The Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier|publisher=Menasha Ridge Press|location=Birmingham, Alabama|edition=3rd|year=2008|origyear=1993|pages=111&ndash;13|isbn=978-0-89732-957-6}}</ref>
Easily accessible from the boat launch at the Tangle Lakes campground near the [[Denali Highway]] and at many points downstream along the [[Richardson Highway]], the river can be floated in sections that vary in difficulty from Class I (easy) to Class V (extremely difficult) on the [[International Scale of River Difficulty]] and may require [[portage]]s. The upstream stretches include four lakes and their Class II (medium) connecting channels. About {{convert|2|mi|km|0}} downstream of the last lake, the river enters a canyon and flows over unrunnable waterfalls. A {{convert|0.5|mi|km|0|adj=on}} portage leads to a {{convert|2|mi|km|0|adj=on}} stretch of Class III (difficult) rapids.<ref name="Jettmar">{{cite book|last=Jettmar|first=Karen|title=The Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier|publisher=Menasha Ridge Press|location=Birmingham, Alabama|edition=3rd|year=2008|orig-year=1993|pages=111&ndash;13|isbn=978-0-89732-957-6}}</ref>


Below the Class III rapids, the river continues through {{convert|29|mi|km}} of Class I and II water before entering a {{convert|20|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch between Ann Creek and One Mile Creek known as ''Black Rapids''. Here the difficulty is Class III rising to Class IV (very difficult) or V, followed by {{convert|30|mi|km}} of Class III and then {{convert|18|mi|km}} of Class I.<ref name="Jettmar"/>
Below the Class III rapids, the river continues through {{convert|29|mi|km}} of Class I and II water before entering a {{convert|20|mi|km|adj=on}} stretch between Ann Creek and One Mile Creek known as ''Black Rapids''. Here the difficulty is Class III rising to Class IV (very difficult) or V, followed by {{convert|30|mi|km}} of Class III and then {{convert|18|mi|km}} of Class I.<ref name="Jettmar"/>
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*[https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/alaska/delta-wsr The Delta National Wild and Scenic River] &ndash; Bureau of Land Management
*[https://www.blm.gov/programs/national-conservation-lands/alaska/delta-wsr The Delta National Wild and Scenic River] &ndash; Bureau of Land Management


[[Category:Rivers of Alaska]]
{{Protected areas of Alaska}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Alaska Range]]
[[Category:Alaska Range]]
⚫
[[Category:Rivers of Alaska]]
[[Category:Rivers of Copper River Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Rivers of Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska]]
[[Category:Rivers of Southeast Fairbanks Census Area, Alaska]]
⚫
[[Category:Rivers of Valdez–Cordova Census Area, Alaska]]
⚫
[[Category:Wild and Scenic Rivers of the United States]]
⚫
[[Category:Tributaries of the Yukon River]]
[[Category:Rivers of Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]
[[Category:Rivers of Unorganized Borough, Alaska]]
⚫
[[Category:Tributaries of the Yukon River]]
⚫
[[Category:Wild and Scenic Rivers of the United States]]
[[Category:Tanana Athabaskans]]

Latest revision as of 11:02, 23 July 2024

Delta River
Delta River
Delta River is located in Alaska
Delta River
Location of the mouth of the Delta River in Alaska
Location
CountryUnited States
StateAlaska
Census AreaCopper River, Southeast Fairbanks
Physical characteristics
SourceTangle Lakes
 • locationAmphitheater Mountains, Alaska Range, Copper River Census Area
 • coordinates63°09′14″N 145°56′54″W / 63.15389°N 145.94833°W / 63.15389; -145.94833[1]
 • elevation2,823 ft (860 m)[2]
MouthTanana River
 • location
Big Delta, Southeast Fairbanks Census Area
 • coordinates
64°09′19″N 145°51′35″W / 64.15528°N 145.85972°W / 64.15528; -145.85972[1]
 • elevation
984 ft (300 m)[1]
Length80 mi (130 km)[1]
TypeWild, Scenic, Recreational
DesignatedDecember 2, 1980

The Delta River is an 80-mile (130 km) tributary of the Tanana River in the U.S. state of Alaska.[1] Its name in the Ahtna language is Saas Na’ [pronunciation?]. Fed by the Tangle Lakes of the Alaska Range, the river flows north to meet the larger river near Big Delta.[3] It is older than the Alaska Range, being formed before their uplift 30 million years ago.[4]

In 1980, 62 miles (100 km) of waterways in the Delta River basin, including all of the Tangle Lakes and the main stem to within 0.5 miles (0.8 km) of Black Rapids became part of the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Of this, 20 miles (32 km) are designated "wild", 24 miles (39 km) "scenic", and 18 miles (29 km) "recreational".[5]

Boating

[edit]

Easily accessible from the boat launch at the Tangle Lakes campground near the Denali Highway and at many points downstream along the Richardson Highway, the river can be floated in sections that vary in difficulty from Class I (easy) to Class V (extremely difficult) on the International Scale of River Difficulty and may require portages. The upstream stretches include four lakes and their Class II (medium) connecting channels. About 2 miles (3 km) downstream of the last lake, the river enters a canyon and flows over unrunnable waterfalls. A 0.5-mile (1 km) portage leads to a 2-mile (3 km) stretch of Class III (difficult) rapids.[6]

Below the Class III rapids, the river continues through 29 miles (47 km) of Class I and II water before entering a 20-mile (32 km) stretch between Ann Creek and One Mile Creek known as Black Rapids. Here the difficulty is Class III rising to Class IV (very difficult) or V, followed by 30 miles (48 km) of Class III and then 18 miles (29 km) of Class I.[6]

Author Karen Jettmar warns of dangers including "sweepers, canoe fragments wrapped around rocks, bears, cold and wet weather, and high winds". She says that "only experts should attempt to run Black Rapids (Class IV–V) below Mile 229 on Richardson Highway."[6]

Fishing

[edit]

The Tangle Lakes complex, 24 miles (39 km) long, that feeds the Delta River has "some of the best road-accessible grayling fishing in Interior Alaska".[7] In the deeper lakes of the system, lake trout are fairly abundant. Lakes and streams that are away from the highway and accessible only by canoe or trail are the least heavily fished. Arctic grayling fishing is also considered excellent on the upper river down to its confluence with Eureka Creek.[7]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "Delta River". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. March 31, 1981. Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  2. ^ Derived by entering source coordinates in Google Earth.
  3. ^ Alaska Atlas & Gazetteer (7th ed.). Yarmouth, Maine: DeLorme. 2010. pp. 96, 106, 116. ISBN 978-0-89933-289-5.
  4. ^ Connor, Cathy (2014). Roadside Geology of Alaska (2nd ed.). Missoula, Montana USA: Mountain Press Publishing Company. p. 157. ISBN 978-0-87842-619-5.
  5. ^ "Delta River, Alaska". National Wild and Scenic Rivers. Retrieved October 27, 2013.
  6. ^ a b c Jettmar, Karen (2008) [1993]. The Alaska River Guide: Canoeing, Kayaking, and Rafting in the Last Frontier (3rd ed.). Birmingham, Alabama: Menasha Ridge Press. pp. 111–13. ISBN 978-0-89732-957-6.
  7. ^ a b Limeres, Rene; Pedersen, Gunnar; et al. (2005). Alaska Fishing: The Ultimate Angler's Guide (3rd ed.). Roseville, California: Publishers Design Group. pp. 275–76. ISBN 1-929170-11-4.
[edit]
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