Iskut River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Iskut River |
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![]() Iskut River valley
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Country | Canada |
Province | British Columbia |
Basin features | |
River system | Stikine River |
Waterbodies | Eddontenajon Lake, Kinaskan Lake, Natadesleen Lake, Tatogga Lake |
Waterfalls | Cascade Falls |
The Iskut River is a major river located in northwestern British Columbia, Canada. It is the largest river that flows into the Stikine River. The Iskut River joins the Stikine River just a few miles before the Stikine reaches Alaska.
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About the Iskut River
The Iskut River flows through a beautiful and rugged part of British Columbia. It is known for its stunning natural scenery. The river connects several important lakes in the region. These lakes include Eddontenajon Lake, Kinaskan Lake, Natadesleen Lake, and Tatogga Lake.
One notable feature along the Iskut River is Cascade Falls. This waterfall adds to the natural beauty of the river. The river's journey through the landscape is important for the local environment. It also plays a role in the lives of the people living nearby.
Generating Power: Hydroelectricity
The Iskut River is used to create electricity. This process is called hydroelectricity. It means making power from the movement of water. There is a special project on the Iskut River called a "run-of-river" hydroelectric project. This project is located in the Forrest Kerr Canyon.
How Run-of-River Works
A run-of-river project is different from a large dam. It uses the natural flow of the river. Water is diverted from the river into pipes. These pipes carry the water to turbines. The moving water spins the turbines. This spinning creates electricity. The water then flows back into the river. This method helps to produce power with less impact on the river's natural path.
Impact and Development
The project at Forrest Kerr Canyon can produce 195 megawatts of power. This is enough electricity for many homes and businesses. A wide road has been built to support this project. This road is also wide enough for power lines. It helps to connect the project to other areas.
This road could help with future development in the region. It might even lead to a new route. This route could connect Highway 37 to Wrangell, Alaska. This would offer a new way to reach the Pacific Coast.
Resources in the Area
The area around the Iskut River is rich in natural resources. There are many mines in this region. These mines dig for valuable metals. They find gold, silver, and other base metals. The Snip property is one example of a mine in this area. These mining activities are important for the local economy. They provide jobs and resources.