56 Charles H. Hocutt, Robert F. Denoncourt, Jay R. Stauffer, Jr. 



mouth at Carnifex Ferry. Its total length is 80.5 km and the drainage 

 basin is 932 km 2 . Gradient averages 10.4 m/km and increases from head 

 to mouth. Meadow River headwaters are along the broad Appalachian 

 Plateau, but in the last 17.7 km it enters its own scenic gorge to Carnifex 

 Ferry. Sixteen stations were located in the Meadow River system: main- 

 channel (Stations 26-33), Little Clear Creek (34-35), Big Clear Creek (36- 

 37), Sewell Creek (38-40), and Dogwood Creek (41). A total of 28 species 

 was collected in the system (Tables 1 and 2; Fig. 1). 



Rich Creek 

 This is a small tributary to Gauley River at Jodie, W. Va. Total length 

 is near 12.2 km and average gradient is 45 m/km. The stream was sur- 

 veyed at its mouth (Station 42), particularly in a pool area adjacent to 

 but not a part of Gauley River. A total of 15 species was collected (Tables 

 1 and 2; Fig. 1). 



Big Beaver Creek 

 This stream rises at 792 m in Webster County and is approximately 

 27.4 km in length. The gradient is 10.2 m/km and the drainage basin is 

 101 km 2 . Seven species were collected at Station 43 (Tables 1 and 2; Fig. 

 1). 



Muddlety Creek 

 Muddlety Creek, about 32 km in length, rises at an elevation of 731 m 

 and enters Gauley River at Route 39 bridge. The drainage basin is 172 

 km 2 and gradient is 8.0 m/km. The stream had been rechanneled along 

 much of the section below Muddlety, and road construction was present 

 adjacent to the stream. Coal washings were abundant in the substrate. 

 Thirteen species were collected from Stations 44-46 (Tables 1 and 2; Fig. 

 1). In general, the fauna was depauperate for the above reasons. This 

 stream is presently being considered for impoundment by the Corps. 



Peters Creek 

 Peters Creek originates north of Summersville and flows southwest for 

 28.1 km to its confluence with Gauley River. Gradient averages 10.8 

 m/km and the basin is approximately 135 km 2 . A substantial waterfall of 

 about 10-12 m exists 1.6 km above its mouth. Eleven species were collec- 

 ted from this subdrainage at Stations 47-49 (Tables 1 and 2; Fig. 1). 



Twentymile Creek 

 Twentymile Creek is the largest northern tributary to Gauley River. It 

 occupies a drainage basin of about 272 km 2 , and has a total length of 43.1 



