Paddle River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Paddle River |
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The Paddle River near Barrhead, Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Paddle River Headwaters 896 m (2,940 ft) 53°55′19″N 115°39′13″W / 53.92194°N 115.65361°W |
| River mouth | Pembina River 627 m (2,057 ft) 54°06′21″N 114°14′54″W / 54.10583°N 114.24833°W |
The Paddle River is a short river in northern Alberta, Canada. The Cree people called it Pimiskāw sīpiy, which means "Paddle River." It got this name because it flows very slowly.
Long ago, during the fur trade, people could easily paddle canoes upstream. This was much easier than trying to go up faster rivers like the Pembina River. On those rivers, they had to push with poles or pull the canoes.
Where the Paddle River Flows
The Paddle River starts and generally flows towards the east. Along its path, the river has many curves called meanders. It also has many oxbow lakes. These are U-shaped lakes that form when a river's meander gets cut off.
The river flows near the small community of Rochfort Bridge. It also passes close to the town of Barrhead. Finally, it joins the Pembina River near Manola, Alberta. Many highways cross over the Paddle River, including Alberta Highway 43 and Alberta Highway 33.
Dealing with Floods
For a long time, flooding has been a big problem along the Paddle River. Early settlers, like farmers and ranchers, were drawn to the river's flat areas. These areas had very rich soil, which was great for growing crops and raising animals.
As more people moved to the area, the cost of floods became much higher. Local residents decided to form a group called the 'Paddle River Drainage Association'. They asked the government of Alberta for help to control the floods.
The Alberta Government eventually built a dam on the river near Rochfort Bridge. This dam helps to control the water levels and reduce the worst effects of flooding.
Smaller Rivers and Lakes Joining the Paddle River
Several smaller rivers and lakes flow into the Paddle River. These are called its tributaries.
- Little Paddle River
- Romeo Creek
- Connor Creek
- Maxwell Lake
- Kipp Lake
- Neville Lake
