Snowden Branch

The Snowden Branch (map) is a seepage and spring fed tributary to Blockhouse Creek in the Little Platte River watershed. The topography is rolling with streams incised in small, often steep-sided valleys. The watershed is predominantly agricultural with a mixture of dairy farms, cash crops and feeder operations. Cultivation occurs on the ridge tops and valley floors, while grazing occurs adjacent to streams. Steep valley slopes are left in woodlots.

The lower 3 miles of the Snowden Branch are listed on the State’s list of impaired waters due to streambank and cropland erosion contributing to sedimentation and habitat degradation. The water quality, instream habitat and fisheries resources of the Snowden Branch were severely impacted by sediment and manure runoff from a large animal feeding operation and excessive grazing along the stream in the 1970s and 80s.

The DNR is considering classifying 5 miles of the Snowden Branch as class II trout waters. A portion of the stream was once considered to be trout waters, but it is not currently listed or managed for trout.

For more information about the Snowden Branch watershed refer to the Grant-Platte River State of the Basin Report. In the State of the Basin report you can find more detailed information on the history, research and current activities in the watershed and surrounding areas.