Redstone River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Redstone River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Northwest Territories |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Redstone Plateau 1,068 m (3,504 ft) |
| River mouth | Mackenzie River 133 m (436 ft) 64°17′10″N 124°32′40″W / 64.28611°N 124.54444°W |
| Length | 289 km (180 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Southwest-northeast |
| Basin size | 16,400 km2 (6,300 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Redstone River is a big river in Canada's Northwest Territories. It flows for about 289 kilometers (180 miles). This river is like a smaller stream that feeds into the much larger Mackenzie River. It joins the Mackenzie River about 100 kilometers (62 miles) north of a place called Wrigley.
The Redstone River flows through the wild and tall Mackenzie Mountains. Not many people live here. However, it's a safe home for many animals. You can find moose, caribou, wolves, Dall's Sheep, and bears. It's a truly wild and beautiful mountain area.
The Redstone River's Journey
The Redstone River starts high up in the Mackenzie Mountains. It begins in several small ponds. These ponds are found on Rockslide Pass, south of the Redstone Plateau. The starting point is very high, at about 1,068 meters (3,504 feet) above sea level.
The river first flows towards the northwest. Then, it turns west when the Moose Horn River joins it. It makes a big bend to the north. Near Wrigley Lake, it turns south. Here, it meets its biggest helper river, the Ravens Throat River. The Redstone River then cuts through the Redstone Range.
After that, the Redstone turns north again. It bends west around the Silvan Plateau. It leaves its deep canyon and spreads out onto the flat lands. These plains are next to the Mackenzie River. The Redstone River joins the Mackenzie River about 40 kilometers (25 miles) later. At this point, it is only 133 meters (436 feet) above sea level. This meeting spot is about 13 kilometers (8 miles) upstream from the Keele River.
The Redstone River's Water Area
The area that collects water for the Redstone River is called its watershed. This watershed covers a huge space. It is about 16,400 square kilometers (6,332 square miles).
Scientists measured how much water flows in the Redstone River. They did this from 1974 to 2000. The average amount of water flowing out was about 174 cubic meters per second. This measurement was taken about 63 kilometers (39 miles) from where the river ends.
The most water flows in July. This is because of melting glaciers and snow. The least water flows in March. This is when the river is mostly frozen. The most water ever recorded was in July 1991. The least water was in February 1975.
Interestingly, the Ravensthroat River is bigger than the Redstone River. This is true even when they meet. Older maps used to call these two rivers the North and South Redstone.
Fun on the Redstone River
The Redstone and Ravensthroat Rivers are great for adventures. People enjoy challenging canoe and rafting trips here. These trips can last several days. The rivers have many exciting rapids. These are called Class 2 and 3 rapids. They are found in a wild mountain area.
The first modern trip down the Redstone was in the year 2000. A group from the National Geographic Explorers League did it. They started their journey on the Raven's Throat tributary.
Now, special companies offer guided trips. They fly people in by float plane. You can start at Wrigley Lake for the Redstone River. Or, you can start at Divide Lake for the Raven's Throat River. Sometimes, a helicopter helps with these trips.
These rivers offer a unique experience. They cut through a special rocky area. This area is known as the Redstone Plateau. Trips usually last between 10 to 16 days. The adventure ends in the towns of Tulita or Norman Wells. Both of these towns are on the Mackenzie River.
