Chibougamau River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chibougamau |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Nord-du-Québec |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Chibougamau Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James 379 m (1,243 ft) 49°54′00″N 74°14′31″W / 49.90000°N 74.24194°W |
| River mouth | Lake Waswanipi Eeyou Istchee Baie-James 276 m (906 ft) 49°41′13″N 75°57′44″W / 49.68694°N 75.96222°W |
| Length | 200 km (120 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 1,170 km2 (450 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Chibougamau River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows west through the Nord-du-Québec region. This area is known as Eeyou Istchee James Bay (municipality).
The river starts from Chibougamau Lake. It then flows through many different areas called townships. These include Roy, McKenzie, and Scott. The river's surface usually freezes from early November to mid-May. It's safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
River's Path and Surroundings
The Chibougamau River is part of a larger water system. Water from many areas flows into it. These areas are called hydrographic slopes.
Where the Water Comes From
- North side: Water flows in from the Maicasagi River and Caupichigau River. It also comes from Comencho Lake and Opataca Lake.
- East side: Water comes from Chibougamau Lake and Obatogamau Lakes.
- South side: Water flows in from the Opawica River and Obatogamau River.
- West side: Water comes from the Waswanipi River, Lake Waswanipi, and Goéland Lake (Waswanipi River).
The highest point where the Chibougamau River's water system begins is south of Lake Mistassini.
From Source to Mouth
The main source of the Chibougamau River is Chibougamau Lake. From there, the river flows more than 200 km (about 124 miles) to the west. It takes a winding path with many turns.
The water from Chibougamau Lake first flows into Lac aux Dorés. This lake is southeast of the town of Chibougamau. The river then flows south and widens to form Merrill Lake. It also passes through Scott Township.
Along its journey, the river goes through 12 different lakes. These include Ledden, David, and Opémisca.
Where the River Ends
The Chibougamau River meets the Opawica River (which comes from the southeast). When they join, they form the Waswanipi River. This meeting point is just before the Waswanipi River bridge. This bridge is on Road 113, connecting Chapais and Lebel-sur-Quévillon. The village of Waswanipi is located near where these two rivers meet.
Nearby Communities and Features
The river flows near the Cri community of Oujé-Bougoumou. This community is on the north shore of Lake Opémisca. It is about 16.3 km (10 miles) north of Chapais.
Mount Opémisca is a nearby mountain, standing at 540 metres (1,770 ft) (about 1,772 feet) tall. It is located near Opémisca Lake.
After passing through Michwacho Lake, the Chibougamau River splits. It flows north and west to go around several mountains. These include the Michwacho Mountains (384 metres (1,260 ft)), Roy (492 metres (1,614 ft)), and the Pachyderm Hills (361 metres (1,184 ft)).
River's Name History
The name Chibougamau River has been used for a long time. In 1816, a map drawn by James Clouston from the Hudson's Bay Company called it the "Capacomou River."
The official name Chibougamau River was made formal on December 5, 1968. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Quebec (Quebec's place names commission) was created.
