Gouault River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gouault |
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Watershed of Nottaway River
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Marsh area Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 282 m (925 ft) 49°47′06″N 78°09′14″W / 49.78500°N 78.15389°W |
| River mouth | Matagami Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 260 m (850 ft) 49°53′52″N 77°45′50″W / 49.89778°N 77.76389°W |
| Length | 18.5 km (11.5 mi) |
The Gouault River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Matagami Lake. From there, its waters eventually reach the Nottaway River through Soscumica Lake. The river is located in the area called Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality). This region is part of Nord-du-Québec.
A bridge, called R1027, crosses the Gouault River. It is about 11 kilometres (6.8 mi) south of where the river meets Matagami Lake. This road follows the river's west side and then goes north. It leads to areas east of James Bay.
The Gouault River flows through forests and marshy lands. These areas are southwest of Matagami Lake. The river's surface usually freezes over in early December. It stays frozen until the end of April.
Contents
Where the Gouault River Flows
The Gouault River is surrounded by other important water bodies. Knowing these helps us understand its journey.
Nearby Rivers and Lakes
Here are some of the rivers and lakes close to the Gouault River:
- To the north: Bouchier Lake, Soscumica Lake, Deux-Lacs River, Natchiowatchouan River, Nottaway River.
- To the east: Matagami Lake, Allard River, Bell River.
- To the south: Allard River, River of the Bear, Adam River, Harricana River.
- To the west: Grasset Lake, Samson River, Adam River, Harricana River, Kitchigama River.
The River's Journey
The Gouault River starts in a large swampy area. This swamp is located between Grasset Lake and Matagami Lake. The river flows for about 18.5 kilometres (11.5 mi) from its beginning.
Here's how its journey unfolds:
- It flows northeast for 8.1 kilometres (5.0 mi). Along the way, it collects water from several small streams.
- Then, it flows east for 1.7 kilometres (1.1 mi), crossing MacIvor Lake. This lake is 2.4 kilometres (1.5 mi) long and sits at an altitude of 257 metres (843 ft).
- After MacIvor Lake, it continues northeast for 1.8 kilometres (1.1 mi). It passes the outlet of Wabassi Lake, which joins from the south.
- Finally, it flows northeast for 6.9 kilometres (4.3 mi) until it reaches the west shore of Matagami Lake.
Location of the River's End
The mouth of the Gouault River is where it empties into Matagami Lake. This spot is:
- About 18.0 kilometres (11.2 mi) northwest of the town of Matagami.
- Around 161 kilometres (100 mi) southeast of where the Nottaway River meets Rupert Bay. Rupert Bay is connected to James Bay.
- About 108 kilometres (67 mi) northwest of Lebel-sur-Quévillon.
- Roughly 126.6 kilometres (78.7 mi) east of the border with Ontario.
The Name of the Gouault River
The name of the Gouault River has changed over time. It has an interesting history.
Earlier Names
In 1936, the river was first shown on a map as the "MacIvor River." The next year, this name became official. Geologist Jérôme H. Rémick suggested "MacIvor River." This name honored a trapper who often visited the area. There is also a Mount MacIvor nearby, about 3 km southwest of MacIvor Lake.
The Algonquin people, who are Indigenous to the region, had their own name for the river. They called it the Nedawaka River. This name means "the river to fetch what to live," referring to a place to find food and resources.
The Current Name
In 1965, the Quebec Geography Commission officially changed the name to "Rivière Gouault." "Gouault" is a French family name. It was common back then to name places in northern Quebec after important people from New France.
It is believed that this name might honor Gaspard Gouault. He was a Jesuit brother and apothecary (like a pharmacist) who worked in New France in the 1600s.
The name "Gouault river" was officially confirmed on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec.
