La Loche River (Ashuapmushuan River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Loche |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Rivel Lake Lac-Ashuapmushuan, Quebec (unorganized territory), MRC Le Domaine-du-Roy, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec 401 m (1,316 ft) 49°30′26″N 73°41′30″W / 49.50722°N 73.69167°W |
| River mouth | Ashuapmushuan River Lac-Ashuapmushuan, Quebec (unorganized territory), MRC Le Domaine-du-Roy, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean, Quebec 366 m (1,201 ft) 49°17′21″N 73°39′50″W / 49.28917°N 73.66389°W |
| Length | 32.8 km (20.4 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Tributaries |
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The La Loche River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Ashuapmushuan River. This river is found in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region. It is part of the Le Domaine-du-Roy area.
The La Loche River flows through different areas called townships. Part of the river also goes through the Ashuapmushuan Wildlife Reserve. The main activities in this river valley are forestry (cutting down trees) and tourism. Many people visit for fun activities like fishing or camping.
A forest road, called R0203, helps people get to the lower part of the river valley. This road connects to Quebec route 167, which links Chibougamau to Saint-Félicien, Quebec.
During winter, the La Loche River usually freezes over. This happens from early November until mid-May. It is generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
River's Path and Surroundings
The La Loche River is about 32.8 kilometers (20.4 miles) long. It starts at Rivel Lake. This lake is 401 meters (1,316 feet) above sea level.
Where the River Starts
The La Loche River begins at Rivel Lake. This lake is in the Le Ber township. From Rivel Lake, the river flows for about 32.8 kilometers.
The mouth of Rivel Lake is:
- 24.3 km (15.1 mi) northwest of where the La Loche River joins the Ashuapmushuan River.
- 136 km (84.5 mi) northwest of where the Ashuapmushuan River joins Lac Saint-Jean.
How the River Flows
The river flows in two main parts:
Upper Part of the River
This section is about 13.3 km (8.3 mi) long.
- It flows east for 3.0 km (1.9 mi), passing a tall mountain.
- Then it turns southwest for 4.4 km (2.7 mi). It receives water from smaller lakes like Puyperoux.
- It continues southwest for 2.0 km (1.2 mi) towards Cazeneuve Lake.
- Finally, it crosses all of Cazeneuve Lake, which is 385 meters (1,263 feet) high.
Lower Part of the River
This section is about 19.5 km (12.1 mi) long.
- It flows south for 7.1 km (4.4 mi). It goes through Lothman and Chorel lakes. It also crosses a forest road.
- It then flows southeast for 3.0 km (1.9 mi) to the Denault township border.
- The river continues south for 9.4 km (5.8 mi) in Denault Township. It makes a curve before reaching its end.
Where the River Ends
The La Loche River joins the Ashuapmushuan River. This meeting point is:
- 12.9 km (8.0 mi) northeast of where the Ashuapmushuan River leaves Ashuapmushuan Lake.
- 118.9 km (73.9 mi) northwest of where the Ashuapmushuan River flows into Lac Saint-Jean.
After joining, the water from the La Loche River flows down the Ashuapmushuan River. The Ashuapmushuan River is 193 km (120 mi) long. It eventually flows into Lac Saint-Jean at Saint-Félicien, Quebec.
Rivers Nearby
Many other rivers and lakes are close to the La Loche River.
- To the north: Hilarion River, Dobleau River, Dobleau Lake, Vimont Lake (Lac-Ashuapmushuan), Epervier River, Hogan River.
- To the east: Mazarin River, Greve River, Hilarion River, Chief River, Ashuapmushuan River.
- To the south: Ashuapmushuan River, Ashuapmushuan Lake, Chiboubiche Lake, Marquette River.
- To the west: Aigremont Lake, Little Chef River, Nicabau Lake, Rohault Lake, Bouteroue Lake, Tonnerre River (Normandin River).
River's Name
In the past, this river was known as "River aux Aulnes."
The name "La Loche River" became official on December 5, 1968. This was decided by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is a group that names places in Quebec.
