Eau Jaune Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eau Jaune Lake |
|
|---|---|
Watershed of Nottaway River
|
|
 Eau Jaune Lake
Location in Quebec
|
|
| Location | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James |
| Coordinates | 49°38′32″N 74°41′54″W / 49.64222°N 74.69833°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | Obatogamau River |
| Primary outflows | Obatogamau River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 13.1 kilometres (8.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi) |
| Surface area | 37 kilometres (23 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 365 metres (1,198 ft) |
Eau Jaune Lake is a freshwater lake in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. Its name means Yellow Water Lake in English. The lake is located in the Nord-du-Québec area, a large administrative region.
The main activity around the lake is forestry, which means growing and harvesting trees. Recreational tourism is also popular, with people visiting for fun activities.
You can reach the eastern part of the lake's area by a forest road. This road connects to Highway 113, which runs north of the lake. The highway also follows the Canadian National Railway line.
The lake's surface usually freezes over from early November until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
About Eau Jaune Lake
Eau Jaune Lake is a large lake located southwest of Chibougamau Lake. It stretches about 13.1 kilometres (8.1 mi) long and 11.2 kilometres (7.0 mi) wide. The lake sits at an elevation of 365 metres (1,198 ft) above sea level.
The lake has a very interesting and complex shape. It features many islands, bays, and peninsulas (pieces of land almost surrounded by water). The Obatogamau River flows right through the lake from east to west. Other smaller rivers and outlets from nearby lakes, like Erwin Lake and Andy Lake, also feed into Eau Jaune Lake from the north.
The main exit point for the water from Eau Jaune Lake is in a wide bay on its northwest side. From this point, the lake is:
- About 20.0 kilometres (12.4 mi) southwest of a bay on the south shore of Chibougamau Lake.
- About 34.7 kilometres (21.6 mi) southwest of the town of Chibougamau.
- About 13.4 kilometres (8.3 mi) southeast of the village of Chapais, Quebec.
Rivers and Nearby Lakes
Several important rivers and lakes are close to Eau Jaune Lake. These are part of the larger water system in the region.
- To the North: You'll find the Obatogamau River, Opémisca Lake, Chibougamau River, and Chibougamau Lake.
- To the East: There are lakes like Keith Lake, Muscocho Lake, and Chevrier Lake, along with the Obatogamau River.
- To the South: The Opawica River, Fancamp Lake, Nemenjiche Lake, and Nemenjiche River are located here.
- To the West: You'll find Presqu'île Lake (Nord-du-Québec), and the Obatogamau River which flows into the Chibougamau River.
Why is it Called Yellow Water Lake?
The name "Lac à l'Eau Jaune" (Yellow Water Lake) was first noted in 1916 by the Quebec Geography Commission. It's believed that the name comes from the actual color of the lake's water.
In 1900, an explorer named Henry O'Sullivan mapped this lake. Even though he didn't name it, he mentioned that the soil around the lake had ferrous deposits. These are deposits that contain iron. Iron can sometimes give water a yellowish or reddish tint, which might explain the lake's name.
The name "Lac à l'Eau Jaune" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This commission is in charge of naming places in Quebec.
