Ekwan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ekwan River |
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 Location of the mouth of the Ekwan River in Ontario.
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northwestern Ontario |
| District | Kenora |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Zumar Lake 239 m (784 ft) 52°20′31″N 87°12′13″W / 52.34194°N 87.20361°W |
| River mouth | James Bay 0 m (0 ft) 53°12′00″N 82°14′59″W / 53.20000°N 82.24972°W |
| Length | 500 km (310 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | James Bay drainage basin |
| Tributaries |
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The Ekwan River is a long river located in Kenora District in northwestern Ontario, Canada. Its name comes from the Cree language, meaning "the river far up the coast." The river is about 500 kilometres (310 miles) long. It starts at Zumar Lake and flows into James Bay.
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Where Does the Ekwan River Flow?
The Ekwan River's drainage basin (the area of land where all the water drains into the river) is located between two larger rivers. To the north is the Winisk River, and to the south is the Attawapiskat River.
The Ekwan River begins at Zumar Lake. This lake is about 239 metres (784 feet) above sea level. It is very close to a part of Attawapiskat Lake, which is where the Attawapiskat River starts.
The river first flows northeast. Along its path, it goes over many rapids and waterfalls. It also collects water from several smaller streams that join it.
How Does the River Change Direction?
As the Ekwan River continues its journey, it takes in the North Washagami River from its left side. This happens when the river is about 81 metres (266 feet) above sea level.
The Ekwan River then reaches its northernmost point. After this, it turns and flows southeast for about 50 kilometres (31 miles).
Within a short distance, three important rivers join the Ekwan. The Matateto River and the Crooked River join from the right side. The Little Ekwan River joins from the left side. These rivers meet the Ekwan when it is about 70 metres (230 feet) above sea level.
The Ekwan River then flows east-southeast for about 160 kilometres (99 miles). It passes over an area called the Flint Rapids. Finally, it reaches its mouth at James Bay. This is where the river meets the sea, at sea level. It enters James Bay across from the western tip of Akimiski Island. This spot is about 25 kilometres (16 miles) north of where the Attawapiskat River also flows into the bay.
How Much Water Does the River Carry?
Scientists have measured how much water the Ekwan River carries. They found that the river has the most water in May. During this month, it carries about 328 cubic metres (11,580 cubic feet) of water per second. The river carries the least amount of water in March, with only about 6 cubic metres (212 cubic feet) per second.
What Is the Economy Around the River?
People have explored the upper parts of the Ekwan River for mining. This means they were looking for valuable minerals in the ground.
What Rivers Flow Into the Ekwan?
Several smaller rivers and streams flow into the Ekwan River. These are called tributaries.
- Little Ekwan River (joins from the left side)
- Crooked River (joins from the right side)
- Matateto River (joins from the right side)
- North Washagami River (joins from the left side)
