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La Salle River facts for kids

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La Salle River
Across Canada (34469007185).jpg
La Salle River is located in Manitoba
La Salle River
Country Canada
Province Manitoba
Physical characteristics
River mouth Red River
Saint Norbert
49°45′22″N 97°08′29″W / 49.75611°N 97.14139°W / 49.75611; -97.14139

The La Salle River is a river located in Manitoba, Canada. It starts near Portage la Prairie and flows until it joins the Red River in Saint Norbert, which is in southern Winnipeg. This river mostly flows through farmland. It is known for being slow-moving and winding, like a snake, across the flat prairie landscape. Its depth can change a lot depending on the season. The La Salle River is the main waterway for much of the Rural Municipality of Macdonald.

Exploring the La Salle River's Journey

The La Salle River begins its journey in the flat lands of Manitoba. It then travels eastward, making its way through different areas.

From Source to Mouth: A River's Path

The river's source is the starting point of its flow. For the La Salle River, this is near Portage la Prairie. From there, it gently meanders, meaning it curves and bends, through the countryside.

Where the La Salle River Ends

The La Salle River eventually flows into the Red River. This meeting point is in a community called Saint Norbert, which is part of the larger city of Winnipeg. The Red River then continues its journey north towards Lake Winnipeg.

What's in a Name? The History of La Salle

The name of the La Salle River has changed over time. Old maps show different names for this waterway.

Early Names for the River

On some older maps, you might see the river called la Rivière Sale or la Rivière Salle. These names are French. Another name used was Salle River.

The "Stinking River" Name

Interestingly, the river was also sometimes called the Stinking River. This name might have come from how the river looked or smelled at certain times, perhaps due to slow flow or natural conditions. Today, it is simply known as the La Salle River.

The La Salle River's Environment

The area around the La Salle River is mostly agricultural. This means the land is used for farming.

Life Along the River: Plants and Animals

Even though it flows through farmland, the river supports various plants and animals. You might find different types of fish in its waters. Birds and other wildlife also live near the riverbanks.

How the River Changes with Seasons

Because the La Salle River is slow-moving and on the prairie, its depth can vary a lot. In spring, after snow melts, it might be deeper. In drier summer months, it could become shallower. This changing depth affects the plants and animals that live there.

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