Capichigamau Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Capichigamau Lake |
|
|---|---|
Watershed of Nottaway River
|
|
 Capichigamau Lake
Location in Quebec
|
|
| Location | Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government |
| Coordinates | 50°22′18″N 75°34′22″W / 50.37167°N 75.57278°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | Mountains creek and outlet of lakes |
| Primary outflows | Outlet of lake Capichigamau |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 21.1 kilometres (13.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 2.0 kilometres (1.2 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 356 metres (1,168 ft) |
Lake Capichigamau is a beautiful freshwater lake in the southern part of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay area of Quebec, Canada. It's a natural lake and an important part of the Assinica Wildlife Sanctuary.
This area is known for its forests, so forestry (cutting down trees for wood) is a big activity here. Recreational tourism, like fishing or exploring nature, is also popular.
Getting to Lake Capichigamau is possible by using a forest road. This road goes north to south and connects to Quebec route 113, which links the towns of Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Chibougamau.
The lake's surface usually freezes over from early November until mid-May. However, it's safest to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
Exploring Lake Capichigamau
Lake Capichigamau is quite long, stretching about 21.1 kilometres (13.1 mi). At its widest point, it measures about 2.0 kilometres (1.2 mi) across. The lake sits at an elevation of 356 metres (1,168 ft) above sea level.
The southwestern part of the lake is surrounded by mountains. There's even a peak on the west side. If you look at the northern part of the lake, you'll find some marshy areas.
Where the Water Comes From
Lake Capichigamau gets its water from several places:
- From the south, it's fed by two small mountain lakes.
- On the east side, water flows in from two other lakes.
- On the west side, two more lakes contribute water.
- From the north, another lake adds to Capichigamau's water supply.
Where the Water Goes
The water from Lake Capichigamau flows out from its northern end. It travels north through marshy areas to Boissy Lake. From there, the water continues into the Assinica River.
The mouth of Lake Capichigamau is located:
- About 12.4 kilometres (7.7 mi) south of where its outlet meets the Assinica River.
- About 31.3 kilometres (19.4 mi) southeast of where the Assinica River joins the Broadback River.
- About 138.9 kilometres (86.3 mi) southeast of the mouth of Evans Lake.
- About 279 kilometres (173 mi) east of where the Broadback River flows into Rupert Bay.
The lake is also about 77.5 kilometres (48.2 mi) northwest of Chibougamau and 187 kilometres (116 mi) northeast of Matagami.
Nearby Waters
Many other lakes and rivers are close to Lake Capichigamau. These include:
- To the north: La Chevardière Lake, Assinica River, Broadback River.
- To the east: Waposite Lake, Comencho Lake, Opataca Lake.
- To the south: Omo Lake, Caupichigau Lake, La Trêve Lake, Chibougamau River.
- To the west: Moquachéa Lake, Amisquioumisca Lake, Luky Strike Creek, Nipukatasi River.
What's in a Name?
The name "Capichigamau" comes from the Cree language. It means "long lake," which makes sense given its shape! This name first appeared on a map of Quebec in 1951.
The official name "Lac Capichigamau" was made formal on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This is the group in Quebec that names places.
