Brock River West facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brock West |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Brock Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 423 m (1,388 ft) 50°17′09″N 74°54′22″W / 50.28583°N 74.90611°W |
| River mouth | Chibougamau River Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 346 m (1,135 ft) 50°10′04″N 74°57′56″W / 50.16778°N 74.96556°W |
| Length | 28.9 km (18.0 mi) |
The West Brock River is a smaller river that flows into the Brock River. It is located in a region called Eeyou Istchee Baie-James, which is part of Nord-du-Québec in the province of Quebec, Canada.
You can reach the lower part of the West Brock River area using forest roads. These roads connect to Route 113, which links the towns of Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Chibougamau. This main road passes south of Opémisca Lake.
The river usually freezes over from early November until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
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About the River's Path
The West Brock River is part of a larger system of waterways. Knowing where it flows helps us understand the geography of the area.
Where the River Starts
The West Brock River begins in a small, unnamed lake. This lake is found in the Assinica Wildlife Sanctuary. The lake is about 453 meters (1,486 feet) above sea level. This starting point is on the side of a mountain that is 488 meters (1,601 feet) high.
The source of the river is located:
- About 36.4 kilometers (22.6 miles) northwest of Opémisca Lake.
- About 54.4 kilometers (33.8 miles) northwest of downtown Chibougamau.
How the River Flows
From its source, the West Brock River flows for about 28.9 kilometers (18 miles).
- For the first 19.3 kilometers (12 miles), it flows mostly south and southwest.
- Then, it turns south and east for about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles).
- Finally, it flows east and south for 7.1 kilometers (4.4 miles) until it reaches its mouth.
Where the River Ends
The West Brock River flows into the north side of the Brock River. This happens at a bend in the river, after some waterfalls and rapids. From this point, the water continues to flow southwest through the Brock River.
The water then joins the Chibougamau River, and later the Waswanipi River. Eventually, it reaches Goéland Lake. The Waswanipi River then flows through Goéland Lake and is a tributary of Matagami Lake.
The mouth of the West Brock River is located:
- About 18.8 kilometers (11.7 miles) north of where the Brock River joins the Chibougamau River.
- About 29.0 kilometers (18.0 miles) northwest of the town of Chapais.
- About 50.8 kilometers (31.6 miles) northwest of downtown Chibougamau.
Why the River is Named "Brock"
The name "Brock River West" honors Reginald W. Brock. He was an important person in Canadian geology.
In 1896, Reginald W. Brock worked with Dr. Robert Bell of the Geological Survey of Canada. They explored the area between Waswanipi Lake and Mistassini Lake. They traveled along rivers like the Waswanipi, Chibougamau, and Barlow.
Later, in 1910, Reginald W. Brock became the Director of the Geological Survey of Canada. He provided maps and tools for an important geological expedition in the Chibougamau region of Quebec.
The official name "Brock River West" was given on December 5, 1968. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place name commission) was first created.
