Moncouche Lake (Lac-Saint-Jean-Est) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moncouche Lake |
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 Moncouche Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Lac-Moncouche (TNO), Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Regional County Municipality, Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Coordinates | 47°57′28″N 71°57′26″W / 47.95778°N 71.95722°W |
| Lake type | Natural |
| Primary inflows | (clockwise from the mouth) Discharge of Lac Saint-Véran and discharge of lac Constantineau. |
| Primary outflows | Moncouche River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 3.4 km (2.1 mi) |
| Max. width | 1.0 km (0.62 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 399 m (1,309 ft) |
Moncouche Lake is a freshwater lake in the province of Quebec, Canada. It's where the Moncouche River begins. The lake is located in an area called Lac-Moncouche, which is part of the Lac-Saint-Jean-Est Regional County Municipality. This region is known as Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean.
Moncouche Lake is found in the western part of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve. It's almost right on the border between two big areas: Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean and Capitale-Nationale.
There's a forest road that runs along the southeast side of the lake. Other smaller forest roads are also in the area. These roads are used for logging and for fun activities like camping or hiking.
Logging, or forestry, is the main way people make a living here. Tourism, which means people visiting for fun, is the second most important activity.
The lake usually freezes over from early December until the end of March. It's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from mid-December to mid-March.
Where is Moncouche Lake?
Moncouche Lake is surrounded by other lakes and rivers. Here are some of the main water bodies nearby:
- North: Saint-Véran Lake, Starr Lake, Huard Lake, and the Métabetchouane River.
- East: Étoile lake and Contourné stream.
- South: Contourné stream and the rivière aux Montagnais.
- West: The Métabetchouane River.
Moncouche Lake is connected to Saint-Véran Lake on its southwest side. It's nestled between mountains. Moncouche Lake is about 3.1 kilometers (1.9 miles) long and 0.9 kilometers (0.6 miles) wide. It sits at an elevation of 399 meters (1,309 feet) above sea level.
The Moncouche River flows through this lake for about 2.9 kilometers (1.8 miles) towards the southwest. The river then leaves the lake from its southwest end.
How Water Flows from Moncouche Lake
From where the Moncouche River leaves the lake, the water travels a long way:
- The Moncouche River flows for about 6.0 kilometers (3.7 miles) generally south.
- Then, it joins the Métabetchouane River, which flows north for about 83.9 kilometers (52.1 miles).
- The Métabetchouane River then reaches the south shore of Lac Saint-Jean.
- The water crosses Lac Saint-Jean for about 22.8 kilometers (14.2 miles) to the northeast.
- Finally, the water follows the Saguenay River for about 172.3 kilometers (107.1 miles) to Tadoussac. Here, the water mixes with the Estuary of Saint Lawrence, which leads to the Atlantic Ocean.
Name of the Lake
The name "Lac Moncouche" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the group in Quebec responsible for naming places.
