Geography. The South Fork of
Quicksand Creek watershed lies in eastern Breathitt County. The land is in the
Eastern Kentucky Coal Field physiographic region, characterized by mountainous
terrain, rapid surface runoff, and moderate rates of groundwater drainage. The
watershed is underlain by coals, sandstones, and shales: this geology is
generally conducive to productive wells, although water quality may be low for
wells that draw from coal layers.
Waterways. The South Fork of Quicksand Creek empties into Quicksand
Creek just above its confluence with the North Fork Kentucky River near
Quicksand. Among the creeks that feed the South Fork of Quicksand are Smith
Branch, Dumb Betty Branch, Spicewood Branch, and Twomile Fork.
Land and water use. Land in the watershed is mainly rural and wooded.
See tables for details.
Agency data assessment. The assessed creek segment in this watershed
only partially supports its designated uses, based on biological and/or
water-quality data. Siltation contributes to the impairment of the stream. See
tables for details.
Watershed rankings. The ranking formula provides a preliminary
ranking by synthesizing a broad spectrum of watershed characteristics, current
conditions, and threats. This watershed ranks in the group with the highest need
for protection and/or restoration. This rating is for the watershed on average:
particular sites and particular waters within the watershed may vary widely. See
tables for details.
Volunteer data. No volunteer data were collected in this watershed in
Click here to view tables for this watershed, in PDF format. These
tables include land-use characteristics, designated uses, stream assessments,
public water supply and water withdrawal sites, permitted discharge sites,
gaging and sampling sites, volunteer data, and values for the 35 indicators used
in calculating watershed rankings. (You need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the
Systems will let you download a free
[You may click the maps below to view them