Aigle River (Doda Lake) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Des Aigles |
|
|---|---|
Watershed of Nottaway River
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unidentified lake Senneterre, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Quebec 409 m (1,342 ft) 49°04′17″N 76°23′28″W / 49.07139°N 76.39111°W |
| River mouth | Doda Lake Eeyou Istchee James Bay (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 338 m (1,109 ft) 49°21′27″N 75°12′52″W / 49.35750°N 75.21444°W |
| Length | 115.5 km (71.8 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
|
The Des Aigles River (which means "River of Eagles" in French) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Doda Lake. This river is an important part of the larger Nottaway River system.
The river flows through two main areas in Quebec:
- Abitibi-Témiscamingue: specifically in the town of Senneterre.
- Nord-du-Québec: in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay (municipality) region, also known as Jamésie.
The main activities in this area are forestry, which means managing and harvesting trees. Recreational tourism is also popular. People visit for outdoor fun like fishing or exploring nature.
A forest road, R1053, runs near the river. It helps people access the area. Another road, R1009, also passes to the east of the river.
The Des Aigles River usually freezes over in early November. It stays frozen until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
River's Journey
The Des Aigles River is surrounded by many other rivers and lakes. These are called its hydrographic slopes.
- To the north, you'll find Doda Lake and the Opawica River.
- To the east are the Yvonne River and Roy River.
- To the south, there's the Pascagama River and the large Gouin Reservoir.
- To the west are Barry Lake, Macho River, and Hébert Lake.
Where the River Starts
The Des Aigles River begins in a small, unnamed lake. This lake is about 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) long and sits at an elevation of 411 metres (1,348 ft). It's located in the southern part of the Kalm township.
The starting point of the river is:
- About 81.5 kilometres (50.6 mi) south of where the Des Aigles River flows into Doda Lake.
- About 110.4 kilometres (68.6 mi) south-east of where the Opawica River and Chibougamau River meet. This meeting point is the start of the Waswanipi River.
- About 372.4 kilometres (231.4 mi) south-east of the mouth of the Nottaway River, which flows into James Bay.
How the River Flows
The Des Aigles River flows for about 111.5 kilometres (69.3 mi). It generally flows north and north-east.
Along its path, the river:
- Travels through the Kalm township.
- Follows the western edge of the Coursol township.
- Widens in some places and crosses wetlands.
- Flows into and out of Lacroix Lake. This lake is about 11.6 kilometres (7.2 mi) long.
After Lacroix Lake, the river continues its journey:
- It flows north-east through the Espinay Township.
- It receives water from smaller lakes like L'Espinay Lake.
- It passes by "Rocky Island Lake."
- It then flows north through the Machault Township, going around two islands.
- It also receives water from lakes like Suzie and Ann.
Final Stretch to Doda Lake
In its lower section, the river continues north.
- It goes around a large island, about 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi) long.
- It forms a curve to the east.
- It receives water from Horsefly Lake.
- It also gets water from Noël and Machault lakes.
- Finally, it flows north-west and then north-east to its mouth.
The Des Aigles River ends by flowing into a bay on the south shore of Doda Lake. The northern part of Doda Lake is crossed by the Opawica River.
From Doda Lake, the water travels through a series of lakes and rivers:
- It flows west through Doda Lake, Françoise Lake, La Ronde Lake, Lessard Lake, and Lichen Lake.
- Then it goes north through Wachigabau Lake and Opawica Lake.
- The Opawica River then meets the Chibougamau River, forming the Waswanipi River.
- The Waswanipi River flows west through lake Waswanipi, Goéland Lake, and Olga Lake.
- It then empties into Lake Matagami.
- Finally, Lake Matagami flows into the Nottaway River, which is a large river that empties into Rupert Bay in James Bay.
The point where the Des Aigles River meets Doda Lake is:
- About 9.4 kilometres (5.8 mi) east of the main outlet of Doda Lake.
- About 79.4 kilometres (49.3 mi) south-west of the city of Chibougamau.
- About 45.6 kilometres (28.3 mi) south of the village of Chapais, Quebec.
- About 339 kilometres (211 mi) south-east of where the Nottaway River flows into James Bay.
River's Name
The name "Des Aigles River" means "River of Eagles" in French. This name likely refers to the large birds of prey, like eagles, that have powerful beaks and claws.
Historically, different Indigenous groups lived in this area. These included the Atikamekw, the Algonquins, and the Cree people.
The name "Eagle River" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the Quebec place names commission.
