Platte River

Length: 430 miles (692 kilometers)

Formed by the confluence of the North Platte (680 mi/1,090 km long) and South Platte (430 m/690 km) rivers at North Platte, Nebr.; flows generally E across S Nebr., past Kearney, Grand Island, and Columbus, to join the Missouri R. at Plattsmouth, Nebr. The river is too flood-prone in spring and too shallow and braided the rest of the year for navigation. Much of its water and the water of its tributaries is diverted for irrigation, municipal uses, and hydroelectric power production. Platte R., esp. W of Grand Island, is a major stop for migratory wild fowls and much visited by wildlife enthusiasts. The Platte valley was an important route to the West in the 19th cent.; the Mormon Trail followed the N bank, and the Oregon Trail followed the S bank. Continues as transportation route U.S. Highway 30, which follows Platte and South Platte length, from Fremont W past Ogallala; I-80 follows river from Grand Island W to Colo. boundary, I-76 continues along South Platte into Colo. as far as Fort Morgan. Extreme lower Platte affected by floods of 1993.

Tributaries of the Platte River

North Platte

South Platte