Des Vents Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Des Vents Lake |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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 Des Vents Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Eeyou Istchee James Bay (municipality) |
| Coordinates | 49°28′37″N 74°52′14″W / 49.47694°N 74.87056°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | Opawica River, the outlet of two sets of lakes |
| Primary outflows | Opawica River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 15.4 kilometres (9.6 mi) |
| Max. width | 6.0 kilometres (3.7 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 343 metres (1,125 ft) |
Des Vents Lake (which means 'Lake of Winds' in French) is a freshwater lake in the northwestern part of Quebec, Canada. It's located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay area. The lake stretches across several townships within this municipality, south of Chapais, Quebec.
The main activity around the lake is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Tourism is also important, as people enjoy boating and other water sports on the lake and nearby waters.
You can reach the lake by a forest road (R1009) that runs along its southeastern side. This road also separates Des Vents Lake from Caopatina Lake. It continues north, passing by Irene Lake and Obatogamau Lakes.
Des Vents Lake usually freezes over from early November until mid-May. However, it's safest to walk or travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
About Des Vents Lake
Des Vents Lake gets its water from the Opawica River on its eastern side. The lake is about 15.4 kilometres (9.6 mi) long and 6.0 kilometres (3.7 mi) wide at its widest point. It sits at an elevation of 343 metres (1,125 ft) above sea level.
The lake was formed by a wider part of the Opawica River. It has an interesting shape with many islands in the northwest. There are also several bays and peninsulas. One peninsula on the north side stretches about 4.1 kilometres (2.5 mi) to the southwest. The Opawica River flows through the northern part of the lake, going around this peninsula.
Another peninsula on the east bank extends 5.7 kilometres (3.5 mi) into the lake. It runs parallel to the river's flow. There is also a large island, about 3.1 kilometres (1.9 mi) long, in the southwest part of the lake.
From the lake's outlet, the water flows north to meet the Irene River. The outlet of Des Vents Lake is located:
- 7.2 kilometres (4.5 mi) northeast of where the Opawica River meets Bras Coupé Lake (Opawica River).
- 14.9 kilometres (9.3 mi) northeast of the outlet of Bras Coupé Lake (Opawica River).
- 351.6 kilometres (218.5 mi) southeast of the mouth of the Nottaway River.
- 79.6 kilometres (49.5 mi) northwest of a bay in the Gouin Reservoir.
- 57.0 kilometres (35.4 mi) southwest of downtown Chibougamau.
- 32.0 kilometres (19.9 mi) southeast of the village of Chapais, Quebec.
Nearby Waters
The main rivers and lakes near Des Vents Lake include:
- North: Eau Jaune Lake, Irene River, Obatogamau River, Obatogamau Lakes.
- East: Rohault Lake, Poutrincourt Lake, Normandin River, Caopatina Lake.
- South: Surprise Lake (Roy River), Caopatina Lake, Hébert Lake, Hébert River.
- West: Doda Lake, Opawica River.
Name Origin
The name "Lac des Vents" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is a group that names places in Quebec.
