Fragasso Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fragasso Lake |
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 Fragasso Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Lac-Jacques-Cartier (TNO), La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality, Capitale-Nationale |
| Coordinates | 47°21′58″N 71°18′40″W / 47.36611°N 71.31111°W |
| Lake type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | Five small mountain streams |
| Primary outflows | Discharge going to Walsh Lake (Lac-Jacques-Cartier), then lac des Alliés which is crossed by Rocheuse River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 1.5 km (0.93 mi) |
| Max. width | 0.6 km (0.37 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 751 m (2,464 ft) |
Lac Fragasso is a beautiful freshwater lake found in the Jacques-Cartier National Park in Quebec, Canada. It's located in an area called Lac-Jacques-Cartier, which is part of the La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality. This lake is an important part of the local water system. Its waters flow into Walsh Lake, then into lac des Alliés, and finally join the Rocheuse River.
The area around Lac Fragasso is mostly covered by forests. The main road, Quebec Route 175, runs nearby. This road connects the cities of Quebec and Saguenay. There are also smaller roads used for forestry and for people visiting the area for fun.
Forestry, which is the business of growing and cutting down trees, is the main activity here. Tourism, where people visit for recreation, is also important. The lake usually freezes over from early December to late March. It's safe to walk or play on the ice from late December to early March.
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Lake Fragasso's Location and Size
Lac Fragasso is about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) long and 0.6 kilometres (0.37 mi) wide. It sits at an elevation of 751 metres (2,464 ft) above sea level. Imagine a footprint pressed into the sand – that's what this lake looks like from above, nestled between mountains!
Nearby Lakes and Rivers
- The Sautauriski Lake is very close, just 0.4 kilometres (0.25 mi) northeast of Lac Fragasso.
- Walsh Lake is also nearby, about 0.3 kilometres (0.19 mi) to the southwest.
- The famous Jacques-Cartier River is about 6.6 kilometres (4.1 mi) to the west.
How Water Flows from Lac Fragasso
The water from Lac Fragasso starts its journey by flowing 0.3 kilometres (0.19 mi) into Walsh Lake. From there, it travels 0.44 kilometres (0.27 mi) west through Walsh Lake. Then, it goes another 1.2 kilometres (0.75 mi) west before turning north. This water then empties into the west side of lac des Alliés.
Next, the current moves 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) north in lac des Alliés. Here, it meets water from the Rocheuse River. The combined water then flows 2.7 kilometres (1.7 mi) west through lac des Alliés. After that, it follows the Rocheuse River for 3.8 kilometres (2.4 mi). Finally, it joins the rivière du Malin for 4.6 kilometres (2.9 mi) southwest. All this water eventually reaches the mighty Jacques-Cartier River, which then flows into the Saint Lawrence River.
The Story Behind the Name
The name "Lac Fragasso" first appeared on a forest map in 1928. For a while, around 1930, it was called "Fossambault Lake." However, in 1990, the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place name commission) decided to bring back the original name, "Lac Fragasso," and made it the official one.
Who Was Michel Fragasso?
The lake is named after Michel Fragasso (1888-1954). He was an engineer born in Carignola, Italy. After finishing his studies in Liège, he moved to Quebec in 1912.
Michel Fragasso was involved in many important projects:
- He helped build the famous Quebec Bridge around 1913.
- He also built several dams, including those at the Jacques-Cartier lakes in the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve and at Sautauriski Lake in Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Michel Fragasso married Clara Taché. Her father, Eugène-Étienne Taché, was a well-known architect. He designed important buildings like the Parliament of Quebec and the Armory of Quebec. He also created Quebec's motto: "Je me souviens" (which means "I remember").
The name "lac Fragasso" was officially recognized on October 19, 1990, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
