Opataca Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Opataca Lake |
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Watershed of Broadback River
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 Opataca Lake
Location in Quebec
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| Location | Eeyou Istchee James Bay Regional Government |
| Coordinates | 50°23′57″N 74°54′42″W / 50.39917°N 74.91167°W |
| Type | Natural |
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| Primary outflows | Cachisca Lake |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 40 kilometres (25 mi) |
| Max. width | 17.5 kilometres (10.9 mi) |
| Surface area | 63.43 kilometres (39.41 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 366 metres (1,201 ft) |
Lake Opataca is a natural lake located in the Nord-du-Québec region of Quebec, Canada. It is part of the Broadback River watershed. This means that water from Lake Opataca eventually flows into the Broadback River.
The lake is found within the Eeyou Istchee James Bay area. It is also part of the Assinica Wildlife Sanctuary, a special protected area. The southern part of the lake is in a place called the Livilier canton. Lake Opataca is one of several lakes that form the beginning of the Broadback River.
The main activity around the lake is forestry, which means cutting down trees. Tourism is also important, with people visiting for fun activities.
A forest road is about 21.9 kilometres (13.6 mi) south-east of the lake. This road connects to Highway 113 and the Canadian National Railway. Highway 113 links Lebel-sur-Quévillon to Chibougamau.
Lake Opataca is usually frozen from early November until mid-May. It's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
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About Opataca Lake's Geography
Opataca Lake is quite long, stretching for about 40.0 kilometres (24.9 mi). It has a maximum width of 17.5 kilometres (10.9 mi). The lake sits at an elevation of 366 metres (1,201 ft) above sea level.
The lake's shape is mostly long and narrow. However, in the middle, there's a wider part that forms a large bay on the west side. This bay leads to where the water flows out of the lake.
Opataca Lake is surrounded by mountains. Many of these peaks are taller than 400 metres (1,300 ft). The lake is located between the slopes of the Brock River North to the east. To the west, you'll find Cachisca Lake and Comencho Lake.
Where Opataca Lake's Water Flows
The water from Lake Opataca flows into Cachisca Lake. From there, the water continues its journey through a network of rivers and lakes.
Here's how far Lake Opataca is from other important water bodies and towns:
- 8.1 kilometres (5.0 mi) east of where Cachisca Lake's water flows out.
- 17.0 kilometres (10.6 mi) east of where Comencho Lake's water flows out.
- 27.9 kilometres (17.3 mi) south-east of where Assinica Lake's water flows out.
- 53.3 kilometres (33.1 mi) south-east of where the Assinica River joins the Broadback River.
- 150.5 kilometres (93.5 mi) east of Evans Lake.
- 290.1 kilometres (180.3 mi) east of where the Broadback River flows into Rupert Bay.
Nearby Towns and Waterways
The closest towns to Lake Opataca are:
- 69.6 kilometres (43.2 mi) north-west of downtown Chibougamau.
- 69.8 kilometres (43.4 mi) north-west of the village center of Chapais, Quebec.
The main rivers and lakes that are close to Opataca Lake include:
- North side: Oudiette Lake, Frotet Lake, Regnault Lake, Chatillon River, Broadback River, Troilus Lake.
- East side: Lemieux Lake, Brock River West, Brock River North, Chibougamau River, Mistassini Lake.
- South side: Dumas Lake, Brock River West, Chibougamau River, Brock River North.
- West side: Blanchet Lake, Waposite Lake, Cachisca Lake, Comencho Lake, Assinica River, Assinica Lake.
The Name of Opataca Lake
The name "Opataca" was first written down around 1930. This happened during a survey of the area by a surveyor named J.-M. Roy.
It is believed that the name comes from the Cree language. In Cree, "Opataca" might mean "it is a pass, a narrow passage, on the water, between two elevations of ground." This description fits the lake's geography well.
The official name "Lake Opataca" was formally recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the organization responsible for naming places in Quebec.
