Barlow River (Chibougamau River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Barlow |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Sirois Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 413 m (1,355 ft) 50°07′25″N 74°06′27″W / 50.12361°N 74.10750°W |
| River mouth | Chibougamau River Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 363 m (1,191 ft) 50°05′15″N 74°24′55″W / 50.08750°N 74.41528°W |
| Length | 62.3 km (38.7 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The Barlow River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Chibougamau River. It is located in the Nord-du-Québec region, specifically in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James area.
The river flows through different townships, including Plamondon, Richardson, and Blaiklock. It is also found within the Albanel Lakes Wildlife Sanctuary, Mistassini and Waconichi, a protected natural area.
You can reach the upper part of the Barlow River by a forest road from Chibougamau. The lower part has other forest roads coming from the south. These roads connect to Route 113, which links Lebel-sur-Quévillon to Chibougamau.
The Barlow River is usually frozen from early November until mid-May. However, it is generally safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
Geography of Barlow River
The Barlow River is part of a larger network of rivers and lakes. Understanding its location helps us see how it connects to other important waterways in the region.
Where the River Starts
The Barlow River begins at Sirois Lake. This lake is about 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) long and sits at an elevation of 413 meters (1,355 feet). The source of the river is in Richardson Township.
This starting point is:
- About 2.6 km (1.6 mi) west of Waconichi Lake.
- About 19.4 km (12.1 mi) northeast of where the Barlow River joins the Chibougamau River.
- About 30.4 km (18.9 mi) northeast of downtown Chibougamau.
Rivers and Lakes Nearby
The main waterways close to the Barlow River include:
- North: Blaiklock River, Mistago River, Lake Mistassini.
- East: Waconichi Lake, Petite Meule River.
- South: Chibougamau River, Chébistuane River, Chibougamau Lake.
- West: Chibougamau River, Mistago River, Blaiklock River.
How the River Flows
The Barlow River flows for about 62.3 kilometers (38.7 miles). It can be divided into two main sections:
Upper Barlow River
This part of the river is about 44.2 kilometers (27.5 miles) long.
- It flows northeast, passing through small lakes.
- It then turns southwest, entering Richardson Township.
- The river continues southwest and northwest, crossing the northern part of Lake Peter.
- Finally, it winds northwest and southwest, entering Blaiklock Township, until it meets the Mistago River.
Lower Barlow River
This section is about 18.1 kilometers (11.2 miles) long.
- It flows west until it meets the Blaiklock River.
- It then turns southwest, crossing a forest road, until it joins the Chébistuane River.
- The river continues southwest through a marshy area until it reaches its mouth.
The Barlow River empties into the Chibougamau River. From there, the water flows southwest through the Chibougamau River to the Opawica River. The current then continues through the Waswanipi River to Goéland Lake. Finally, the water from Goéland Lake flows into Lake Matagami.
Why is it Called Barlow River?
The Barlow River is named after Alfred-Ernest Barlow (1861–1914). He was an important geologist who worked for the Geological Survey of Canada from 1883 to 1907.
Alfred-Ernest Barlow was known for his studies of Canadian geology. He wrote about 60 reports, including one about the Chibougamau region. This report was published in 1911. Sadly, Barlow died in 1914 when the ship Empress of Ireland sank.
The name "Barlow River" was officially recognized on December 12, 1939, by the Geography Commission, which is now called the Commission de toponymie du Québec. The name was formally established on December 5, 1968, when this commission was created.
