Monsan River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Monsan |
|
|---|---|
Watershed of Nottaway River
|
|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Little unidentified lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 371 m (1,217 ft) 50°25′23″N 75°48′14″W / 50.42306°N 75.80389°W |
| River mouth | Maicasagi River, Monsan Lake Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality), Nord-du-Québec, Quebec 323 m (1,060 ft) 50°15′01″N 75°51′07″W / 50.25028°N 75.85194°W |
| Length | 23.1 km (14.4 mi) |
The Monsan River is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into Lake Monsan, which is part of the Maicasagi River system. This area is located in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James municipality in the Nord-du-Québec region.
The entire Monsan River flows through the southwestern part of the Assinica Wildlife Sanctuary. This means the area around the river is protected for wildlife. You can reach the river's area by a secondary road. This road runs along the north side of the Waswanipi River. It connects to Highway 113, which goes between Lebel-sur-Quévillon and Chibougamau, passing through Waswanipi.
The Monsan River usually freezes over in early November. It stays frozen until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Contents
Monsan River: Where it Flows
The Monsan River is surrounded by other important waterways. Understanding these helps us see how the river fits into the larger water system.
- North side: You'll find Lucky Strike Creek, the Assinica River, and the Broadback River.
- East side: There's Lake Capichigau, the Caupichigau River, and the Omo River.
- South side: The Maicasagi River, Caupichigau River, La Trêve River, and Omo River are nearby.
- West side: Look for Lake Rocher, the Maicasagi River, the Nipukatasi River, and the Chensagi River.
Monsan River's Journey: From Source to Mouth
The Monsan River starts from a small, unnamed lake. This lake is about 0.4 kilometers long and sits at an elevation of 371 meters.
The river's starting point is:
- About 21 kilometers north of where the Monsan River meets Lake Monsan.
- Around 78.6 kilometers northeast of where the Maicasagi River flows into Maicasagi Lake.
- About 33.9 kilometers north of the Omo River's mouth.
- Roughly 106.8 kilometers northeast of Goéland Lake.
- About 134.3 kilometers northeast of Lake Matagami.
- Around 154.7 kilometers northeast of the town of Matagami.
From its source lake, the Monsan River flows for about 23.1 kilometers. Here's how its journey goes:
- It flows south for 4.3 kilometers, crossing another unnamed lake.
- Then, it turns southeast for 4.0 kilometers, going through a third unnamed lake.
- It continues south for 1.4 kilometers until it meets a small creek.
- Finally, it flows south, then southwest, for 13.4 kilometers to its end.
The Monsan River ends on the northeast shore of Lake Monsan. The Maicasagi River also flows through Lake Monsan. From there, the water continues southeast, southwest, and west to the east shore of Maicasagi Lake. The current then moves southwest through the Max Passage into Goéland Lake. The Waswanipi River flows through Goéland Lake and eventually leads to Lake Matagami.
Where the Monsan River Ends
The mouth of the Monsan River is located:
- About 3.8 kilometers north of Moisan Lake.
- Around 60.0 kilometers northeast of where the Maicasagi River meets Maicasagi Lake.
- About 89.1 kilometers northeast of Goéland Lake.
- Roughly 105.8 kilometers northeast of Olga Lake.
- About 59.6 kilometers north of the village of Waswanipi.
- Around 139.4 kilometers north of the center of Matagami.
Monsan River: Naming History
The name "Monsan" comes from a French family name. The official name "Monsan River" was given on December 5, 1968. This was the same day the Commission de toponymie du Québec (Quebec's place-names commission) was created.
