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Lessard River (rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest) facts for kids

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Lessard River
Country Canada
Province Quebec
Region Côte-Nord
MRC Manicouagan Regional County Municipality
Unorganized territory Rivière-aux-Outardes
Physical characteristics
Main source Little unidentified lake
Rivière-aux-Outardes
176 m (577 ft)
49°21′37″N 67°55′06″W / 49.36028°N 67.91833°W / 49.36028; -67.91833
River mouth Rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest
Rivière-aux-Outardes
100 m (330 ft)
49°22′08″N 67°52′16″W / 49.36889°N 67.87111°W / 49.36889; -67.87111
Length 5.8 km (3.6 mi)
Basin features
River system Rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest, Franquelin River, Gulf of St. Lawrence
Tributaries
  • Left:
    (upstream) discharge from a small lake.
  • Right:
    (upstream) outlet of Lake Lessard.

The Lessard River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into another river called the rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest. The Lessard River is located in a wild area of Quebec called Rivière-aux-Outardes, which is part of the Manicouagan Regional County Municipality in the Côte-Nord region.

People mostly use the land around the Lessard River for forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Recreational tourism is also important, like people visiting for fun activities.

The river's surface usually freezes over from early November to late April. However, it's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from late November to early April.

Where the Lessard River Flows

The Lessard River starts from a small lake in the Rivière-aux-Outardes area. This lake is about 0.4 km (0.25 mi) long and sits at an altitude of 176 m (577 ft).

From its start, the Lessard River flows for about 5.8 km (3.6 mi). As it flows, the river drops about 76 m (249 ft) in height. It mainly passes through forest areas.

River's Journey

The Lessard River's journey includes several parts:

  • It flows 1.2 km (0.75 mi) north through a lake called Lake Castonguay. This lake is about 1.0 km (0.62 mi) long.
  • Next, it travels 1.0 km (0.62 mi) north, crossing Lac Bezeau for 0.3 km (0.19 mi). Lac Bezeau is about 0.5 km (0.31 mi) long.
  • Then, it goes 1.3 km (0.81 mi) east, making a loop to the north. Here, it meets water from Lake Lessard.
  • Finally, it flows 2.3 km (1.4 mi) eastward in a fairly straight line, picking up a small stream along the way.

Where the River Ends

The Lessard River joins the rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest on its southwest side. This meeting point is located southeast of Lac à l'Oignon.

From where the Lessard River joins, the water flows for 4.3 km (2.7 mi) down the rivière Franquelin Branche Ouest. After that, it continues for 19.0 km (11.8 mi) along the Franquelin River until it reaches the north shore of the Saint Lawrence Estuary.

What's in a Name?

The name "Lessard" is a family name that comes from France.

The name "Lessard River" became official on December 5, 1968. This was recorded by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a place names bank for Quebec.

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