Temecula Creek: Difference between revisions

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Coordinates: 33°28′27″N 117°08′27″W / 33.47417°N 117.14083°W / 33.47417; -117.14083
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{{Infobox river
{{Geobox|River
| name = Temecula Creek
<!-- *** Heading *** -->
| name_native =
| name = Temecula Creek
| native_name =
| name_native_lang =
| other_name = Temecula River, Aguanga Creek<ref name=gnis/>
| name_other = Temecula River, Aguanga Creek<ref name=gnis/>
| name_etymology =
| category = [[stream]]
<!-- *** Names **** -->
<!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
| etymology =
| image =
| image_size = 320
| nickname =
| image_caption =
<!-- *** Image *** -->
| image =
| map =
| map_size =
| image_size = 320
| image_caption =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map =
<!-- *** Country *** -->
| pushpin_map_size =
| country = [[United States]]
| pushpin_map_caption=
| state = [[California]]
<!---------------------- LOCATION -->
| region = [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| subdivision_type1 = Country
| district =
| subdivision_name1 = [[United States]]
| municipality =
| subdivision_type2 = State
<!-- *** Family *** -->
| subdivision_name2 = [[California]]
| parent =
| subdivision_type3 = Region
| tributary_left = [[Kohler Canyon]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| tributary_left1 = [[Rattlesnake Creek (California)|Rattlesnake Creek]]
| subdivision_type4 =
| tributary_right = [[Chihuahua Creek]]
| subdivision_name4 =
| tributary_right1 = [[Tule Creek (Temecula Creek)|Tule Creek]]
| subdivision_type5 = City
| tributary_left2 = [[Cottonwood Creek (California)|Cottonwood Creek]]
| subdivision_name5 = [[Temecula, California|Temecula]]
| tributary_left3 = [[Long Canyon]]
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
| tributary_right2 = [[Wilson Creek (California)|Wilson Creek]]
| length =
| tributary_left4 = [[Kolb Creek]]
| width_min =
| tributary_left5 = [[Pechanga Creek]]
| width_avg =

| width_max =
| city = [[Temecula, California|Temecula]]
| city1 =
| depth_min =
| city2 =
| depth_avg =
| landmark =
| depth_max =
| discharge1_location=
| river =
| discharge1_min =
<!-- *** River locations *** -->
| source =
| discharge1_avg =
| discharge1_max =
| source_location = [[Aguanga Mountain]] in the [[Cleveland National Forest]]
<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| source_region = [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| source1 =
| source_country =
| source1_location = [[Aguanga Mountain]] in the [[Cleveland National Forest]], [[San Diego County, California|San Diego County]]
| source_elevation_imperial = 4200
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|33|19|52|N|116|45|27|W|display=inline}}<ref name=gnis>{{gnis|254331|Temecula Creek}}</ref>
| source_elevation_note =
| source1_elevation = {{convert|4200|ft|abbr=on}}
| source_lat_d = 33 | source_lat_m = 19 | source_lat_s = 52 | source_lat_NS = N
| mouth = Confluence with [[Murrieta Creek]], forming [[Santa Margarita River]]
| source_long_d = 116 | source_long_m = 45 | source_long_s = 27 | source_long_EW = W
| mouth_location = 0.5 miles southeast of [[Temecula, California|Temecula]], [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| source_coordinates_note = <ref name=gnis>{{gnis|254331|Temecula Creek}}</ref>
| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|33|28|27|N|117|08|27|W|display=inline,title}}<ref name=gnis/>
| source1 =
| mouth_elevation = {{convert|951|ft|abbr=on}}<ref name=gnis/>
| source1_location = | source1_region = | source1_country =
| progression =
| source1_elevation_imperial =
| river_system =
| source1_lat_d = | source1_lat_m = | source1_lat_s = | source1_lat_NS =
| basin_size =
| source1_long_d = | source1_long_m = | source1_long_s = | source1_long_EW =
| tributaries_left = [[Kohler Canyon]], [[Rattlesnake Creek (California)|Rattlesnake Creek]], [[Cottonwood Creek (California)|Cottonwood Creek]], [[Long Canyon]], [[Kolb Creek]], [[Pechanga Creek]]
| source_confluence =
| tributaries_right = [[Chihuahua Creek]], [[Tule Creek (Temecula Creek)|Tule Creek]], [[Wilson Creek (Temecula Creek)|Wilson Creek]]
| source_confluence_location = | source_confluence_region = | source_confluence_country =
| custom_label =
| source_confluence_elevation_imperial =
| custom_data =
| source_confluence_lat_d = | source_confluence_lat_m = | source_confluence_lat_s = | source_confluence_lat_NS =
| extra =
| source_confluence_long_d = | source_confluence_long_m = | source_confluence_long_s = | source_confluence_long_EW =
| mouth = Confluence with [[Murrieta Creek]], forming [[Santa Margarita River]]
| mouth_location = 0.5 miles southeast of [[Temecula, California|Temecula]]
| mouth_region = [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]]
| mouth_country =
| mouth_elevation_imperial = 951
| mouth_elevation_note = <ref name=gnis/>
| mouth_lat_d = 33 | mouth_lat_m = 28 | mouth_lat_s = 27 | mouth_lat_NS = N
| mouth_long_d = 117 | mouth_long_m = 08 | mouth_long_s = 27 | mouth_long_EW = W
| mouth_coordinates_note = <ref name=gnis/>
<!-- *** Dimensions *** -->
| length_imperial =
| length_note =
| length_orientation =
| width_imperial = | width_orientation =
| depth_imperial =
| volume_imperial =
| watershed_imperial =
| watershed_note = <ref name=survey/>
| discharge_location =
| discharge_location_note =
| discharge_imperial =
| discharge_round =
| discharge_max_imperial =
| discharge_min_imperial =
<!-- *** Free fields *** -->
| free = | free_type =
<!-- *** Maps *** -->
| map =
| map_caption =
| map_background =
| map_locator =
| map_locator_x =
| map_locator_y =
<!-- *** Website *** -->
| website =
<!-- *** Footnotes *** -->
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Temecula Creek''', formerly known as the '''Temecula River''',<ref name=Waring>[http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/0429/report.pdf Gerald A. Waring, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Supply Paper 429, Ground Water In The San Jacinto And Temecula Basins, California, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1919]</ref> runs {{convert|32.6|mi}}<ref name=NHD>U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. [http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/ The National Map], accessed March 16, 2011</ref> through southern [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]], [[California]], [[USA]], past the rural communities of the Temecula Valley along the [[California State Route 79|State Route 79]] corridor, such as [[Aguanga, California|Aguanga]], and ending {{convert|0.5|mi}} southeast of the city of [[Temecula, California|Temecula]]. The creek is filled with boulders, and is typically dry and sandy. It is a relatively undeveloped coastal-draining watershed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/forestplan/part2/land-uses-prospect-aguanga-pt2.shtml |title=Projects & Plans - Land Management Plan |publisher=USDA Forest Service |accessdate=2007-11-29}}</ref> Until the 1920s water flowed in Temecula Creek year-round.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Pablo Apis and Temecula |author=Leland E. Bibb |journal=The Journal of San Diego History |date=Fall 1991 |url=https://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/91fall/temecula.htm |accessdate=June 4, 2010 }}</ref>
'''Temecula Creek''', formerly known as the '''Temecula River''',<ref name=Waring>[http://pubs.usgs.gov/wsp/0429/report.pdf Gerald A. Waring, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Supply Paper 429, Ground Water In The San Jacinto And Temecula Basins, California, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1919]</ref> runs {{convert|32.6|mi}}<ref name=NHD>U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. [http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/ The National Map], accessed March 16, 2011</ref> through southern [[Riverside County, California|Riverside County]], [[California]], United States, past the rural communities of [[Radec, California|Radec]] and [[Aguanga, California|Aguanga]], and ending {{convert|0.5|mi}} southeast of the original city center of [[Temecula, California|Temecula]]. The creek is filled with boulders and is typically dry and sandy. It is a relatively undeveloped coastal-draining watershed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/cleveland/projects/forestplan/part2/land-uses-prospect-aguanga-pt2.shtml |title=Projects & Plans - Land Management Plan |publisher=USDA Forest Service |access-date=2007-11-29}}</ref> Until the 1920s, water flowed in Temecula Creek year-round.<ref>{{cite journal |title=Pablo Apis and Temecula |author=Leland E. Bibb |journal=The Journal of San Diego History |date=Fall 1991 |url=https://sandiegohistory.org/journal/1991/october/temecula-3/ |access-date=July 7, 2022 }}</ref>


==History==
==History==
A [[Luiseño people|Luiseño]] Indian [[rancheria]] named ''Temeca'' or ''Temeko'' was named as early as 1785. In 1828 ''Temecula'' became the name of a [[Ranchos of California|rancho]] of [[Mission San Luis Rey de Francia|Mission San Luis Rey]]. [[Alfred Kroeber]] noted that the name may be derived from the Luiseño word ''temet'' meaning "sun".<ref>{{cite book |title=California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names |authors=Erwin G. Gudde, William Bright |year=2004 |publisher=University of California Press |page=389 |isbn= |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=Kqwt5RlMVBoC&pg=PA389&lpg=PA389&dq=gudde%27s+place+names+temecula+river&source=bl&ots=3todfe9VrX&sig=WRPU5DB_PQ6JA8__HiryXnPR8sY&hl=en&ei=ArTdTpnGAaLZiAKu1e3sCA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=8&ved=0CE8Q6AEwBw#v=onepage&q&f=false |accessdate=2011-12-05 }}</ref> The village of Temecula originated on a bluff on the south bank of Temecula Creek opposite the old Wolf's Store according to an 1853 survey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/72summer/temecula.htm |title=The Location of the Indian Village of Temecula |author=Leland E. Bibb |date=Summer 1972 |volume=18 |issue=3 |work=The Journal of San Diego History |publisher=sandiegohistory.org |accessdate=2007-11-29}}</ref>
A [[Luiseño people|Luiseño]] Indian [[rancheria]] named ''Temeca'' or ''Temeko'' was named as early as 1785. In 1828 ''Temecula'' became the name of a [[Ranchos of California|rancho]] of [[Mission San Luis Rey de Francia|Mission San Luis Rey]]. [[Alfred Kroeber]] noted that the name may be derived from the Luiseño word ''temet'' meaning "sun".<ref>{{cite book |title=California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names |author=Erwin G. Gudde |author2=William Bright |year=2004 |publisher=University of California Press |page=389 |isbn=978-0-520-24217-3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Kqwt5RlMVBoC&dq=gudde%27s+place+names+temecula+river&pg=PA389 |access-date=2011-12-05 }}</ref> The village of Temecula originated on a bluff on the south bank of Temecula Creek opposite the old Wolf's Store according to an 1853 survey.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sandiegohistory.org/journal/72summer/temecula.htm |title=The Location of the Indian Village of Temecula |author=Leland E. Bibb |date=Summer 1972 |volume=18 |issue=3 |work=The Journal of San Diego History |publisher=sandiegohistory.org |access-date=2007-11-29}}</ref>


In 1948, the owners of the Vail Ranch built a {{convert|132|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} dam on Temecula Creek, the [[Vail Lake]] Dam, approximately {{convert|10|mi}} above the confluence with the Santa Margarita River. Today the lake is a private recreational use area.
In 1948, the owners of the Vail Ranch built a {{convert|132|ft|m|adj=mid|-high}} dam on Temecula Creek, the [[Vail Lake]] Dam, approximately {{convert|10|mi}} above the confluence with the Santa Margarita River. Today the lake is a public recreational use area.


==Watershed==
==Watershed==
Temecula Creek originates on the north slope of Aguanga Mountain, flows northeast {{convert|1|mi}} to Dodge Valley, where it continues northwest through Dodge Valley, Oak Grove Valley, Dameron Valley, Aguanga Valley, Radec Valley, Butterfield Valley, to Vail Lake Reservoir, after which it flows southwest through Paula Valley to Temecula Valley where it joins Murrieta Creek.<ref name=gnis/> Temecula Creek has a slightly larger drainage area than [[Murrieta Creek]]. The [[Santa Margarita River]] begins at the confluence of the two creeks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_2856_ |title=Santa Margarita, CA, Murrieta Creek to Sandia Creek Rd. (Temecula Gorge) |publisher=americanwhitewater.org |accessdate=2007-11-29}}</ref>
Temecula Creek originates on the north slope of Aguanga Mountain, flows northeast {{convert|1|mi}} to [[Dodge Valley]], where it continues northwest through Dodge Valley, [[Oak Grove Valley]], [[Dameron Valley]], [[Aguanga Valley]], [[Radec Valley]], [[Butterfield Valley]], into Vail Lake Reservoir, after which it flows southwest through [[Pauba Valley]] to [[Temecula Valley]] where it joins Murrieta Creek.<ref name=gnis/> Temecula Creek has a slightly larger drainage area than [[Murrieta Creek]]. The [[Santa Margarita River]] begins at the confluence of the two creeks at the head of [[Temecula Canyon]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River_detail_id_2856_ |title=Santa Margarita, CA, Murrieta Creek to Sandia Creek Rd. (Temecula Gorge) |publisher=americanwhitewater.org |access-date=2007-11-29}}</ref>


With the encroachment of homes on both sides of Temecula Creek, portions may be channelized.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}
With the encroachment of homes on both sides of Temecula Creek, portions may be channelized.{{citation needed|date=August 2014}}


==Tributaries of Temecula Creek==
==Tributaries==
* [[Pechanga Creek]]
* [[Pechanga Creek]]
* Vail Lake Dam, [[Vail Lake]]
* Vail Lake Dam, [[Vail Lake]]
Line 112: Line 75:
*** [[Arroyo Seco Creek (Temecula Creek)|Arroyo Seco Creek]]
*** [[Arroyo Seco Creek (Temecula Creek)|Arroyo Seco Creek]]
** [[Wilson Creek (Temecula Creek)|Wilson Creek]]
** [[Wilson Creek (Temecula Creek)|Wilson Creek]]
*** [[Cahuilla Creek]]
**** [[Hamilton Creek (Cahuilla Creek)]]
* [[Long Canyon Creek]]
* [[Long Canyon Creek]]
* [[Cottonwood Creek (Temecula Creek)|Cottonwood Creek]]
* [[Cottonwood Creek (Temecula Creek)|Cottonwood Creek]]
Line 120: Line 85:


==Ecology==
==Ecology==
Biologically diverse, supporting both coastal and desert fauna and flora, it is bounded by the [[Agua Tibia Wilderness]] area and the [[Cleveland National Forest]]. The creek supports [[coastal sage scrub]], including [[Jojoba]], [[alluvial fan]] scrub, [[mesquite]] [[bosque]] mix, [[Coast Live Oak]] [[woodland]], and mature Fremont Cottonwood-[[willow]] woodland.<ref name=audubon/>
Biologically diverse, supporting both coastal and desert fauna and flora, it is bounded by the [[Agua Tibia Wilderness]] area and the [[Cleveland National Forest]]. The creek supports [[coastal sage scrub]], including [[Jojoba]], [[alluvial fan]] scrub, [[mesquite]] [[bosque]] mix, [[coast live oak]] [[woodland]], and mature Fremont cottonwood-[[willow]] woodland.<ref name=audubon/>


In addition to [[riparian]] breeders, birds include [[Least Bell's Vireo]], Nuttall's [[quail]], Ladder-backed [[woodpecker]], and California and Gambel's [[quail]]. Arroyo Southwestern [[Toad]] are also found in Temecula Creek.<ref name=audubon>{{cite web |url=http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=189&navSite=state |title=Site Profile |publisher=Audubon Society |accessdate=2007-11-29}}</ref>
In addition to [[riparian]] breeders, birds include [[least Bell's vireo]], Nuttall's [[quail]], [[ladder-backed woodpecker]], and [[California quail|California]] and [[Gambel's quail|Gambel's]] quail. Arroyo southwestern [[toad]]s are also found in Temecula Creek.<ref name=audubon>{{cite web |url=http://iba.audubon.org/iba/viewSiteProfile.do?siteId=189&navSite=state |title=Site Profile |publisher=Audubon Society |access-date=2007-11-29}}</ref>


[[North American beaver]] (''Castor canadensis'') living on Temecula Creek, for example at its confluence with Murrieta Creek, may gradually raise the water table and return portions of the stream to perennial flow.<ref>{{cite web |title=Analyzing Beaver Track and Sign |author=Dick Newell |year=2010 |url=http://www.octrackers.com/beavertrackandsign.htm |accessdate=2011-12-05 }}</ref> However, cattle grazing along Temecula Creek have injured its [[understory]].<ref name=audubon/>
[[North American beaver]] (''Castor canadensis'') may gradually raise the water table and return portions of the stream to perennial flow at sites such as its confluence with Murrieta Creek.<ref>{{cite web |title=Analyzing Beaver Track and Sign |author=Dick Newell |year=2010 |url=http://www.octrackers.com/beavertrackandsign.htm |access-date=2011-12-05 }}</ref> However, cattle grazing along Temecula Creek has injured its [[understory]].<ref name=audubon/>


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Rivers of Riverside County, California]]
[[Category:Rivers of Riverside County, California]]

Latest revision as of 09:32, 5 October 2023

Temecula Creek
Temecula River, Aguanga Creek[1]
Location
CountryUnited States
StateCalifornia
RegionSan Diego County, Riverside County
CityTemecula
Physical characteristics
Source 
 • locationAguanga Mountain in the Cleveland National Forest, San Diego County
 • coordinates33°19′52″N 116°45′27″W / 33.33111°N 116.75750°W / 33.33111; -116.75750[1]
 • elevation4,200 ft (1,300 m)
MouthConfluence with Murrieta Creek, forming Santa Margarita River
 • location
0.5 miles southeast of Temecula, Riverside County
 • coordinates
33°28′27″N 117°08′27″W / 33.47417°N 117.14083°W / 33.47417; -117.14083[1]
 • elevation
951 ft (290 m)[1]
Basin features
Tributaries 
 • leftKohler Canyon, Rattlesnake Creek, Cottonwood Creek, Long Canyon, Kolb Creek, Pechanga Creek
 • rightChihuahua Creek, Tule Creek, Wilson Creek

Temecula Creek, formerly known as the Temecula River,[2] runs 32.6 miles (52.5 km)[3] through southern Riverside County, California, United States, past the rural communities of Radec and Aguanga, and ending 0.5 miles (0.80 km) southeast of the original city center of Temecula. The creek is filled with boulders and is typically dry and sandy. It is a relatively undeveloped coastal-draining watershed.[4] Until the 1920s, water flowed in Temecula Creek year-round.[5]

History[edit]

A Luiseño Indian rancheria named Temeca or Temeko was named as early as 1785. In 1828 Temecula became the name of a rancho of Mission San Luis Rey. Alfred Kroeber noted that the name may be derived from the Luiseño word temet meaning "sun".[6] The village of Temecula originated on a bluff on the south bank of Temecula Creek opposite the old Wolf's Store according to an 1853 survey.[7]

In 1948, the owners of the Vail Ranch built a 132-foot-high (40 m) dam on Temecula Creek, the Vail Lake Dam, approximately 10 miles (16 km) above the confluence with the Santa Margarita River. Today the lake is a public recreational use area.

Watershed[edit]

Temecula Creek originates on the north slope of Aguanga Mountain, flows northeast 1 mile (1.6 km) to Dodge Valley, where it continues northwest through Dodge Valley, Oak Grove Valley, Dameron Valley, Aguanga Valley, Radec Valley, Butterfield Valley, into Vail Lake Reservoir, after which it flows southwest through Pauba Valley to Temecula Valley where it joins Murrieta Creek.[1] Temecula Creek has a slightly larger drainage area than Murrieta Creek. The Santa Margarita River begins at the confluence of the two creeks at the head of Temecula Canyon.[8]

With the encroachment of homes on both sides of Temecula Creek, portions may be channelized.[citation needed]

Tributaries[edit]

Ecology[edit]

Biologically diverse, supporting both coastal and desert fauna and flora, it is bounded by the Agua Tibia Wilderness area and the Cleveland National Forest. The creek supports coastal sage scrub, including Jojoba, alluvial fan scrub, mesquite bosque mix, coast live oak woodland, and mature Fremont cottonwood-willow woodland.[9]

In addition to riparian breeders, birds include least Bell's vireo, Nuttall's quail, ladder-backed woodpecker, and California and Gambel's quail. Arroyo southwestern toads are also found in Temecula Creek.[9]

North American beaver (Castor canadensis) may gradually raise the water table and return portions of the stream to perennial flow at sites such as its confluence with Murrieta Creek.[10] However, cattle grazing along Temecula Creek has injured its understory.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Temecula Creek
  2. ^ Gerald A. Waring, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY Water-Supply Paper 429, Ground Water In The San Jacinto And Temecula Basins, California, Government Printing Office, Washington, 1919
  3. ^ U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed March 16, 2011
  4. ^ "Projects & Plans - Land Management Plan". USDA Forest Service. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  5. ^ Leland E. Bibb (Fall 1991). "Pablo Apis and Temecula". The Journal of San Diego History. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  6. ^ Erwin G. Gudde; William Bright (2004). California Place Names: The Origin and Etymology of Current Geographical Names. University of California Press. p. 389. ISBN 978-0-520-24217-3. Retrieved 2011-12-05.
  7. ^ Leland E. Bibb (Summer 1972). "The Location of the Indian Village of Temecula". The Journal of San Diego History. sandiegohistory.org. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  8. ^ "Santa Margarita, CA, Murrieta Creek to Sandia Creek Rd. (Temecula Gorge)". americanwhitewater.org. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  9. ^ a b c "Site Profile". Audubon Society. Retrieved 2007-11-29.
  10. ^ Dick Newell (2010). "Analyzing Beaver Track and Sign". Retrieved 2011-12-05.
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