Rivière au Rat (Weedon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière au Rat |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Estrie |
| Municipality | Weedon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Mountain streams Weedon 268 m (879 ft) 45°43′16″N 71°23′01″W / 45.72111°N 71.38361°W |
| River mouth | Saint-François River Weedon 232 m (761 ft) 45°42′18″N 71°26′06″W / 45.70500°N 71.43500°W |
| Length | 8.5 kilometres (5.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Saint-François River, Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rat River (also known as Rivière au Rat in French) is a smaller river that flows into the Saint-François River. A "tributary" is a stream or river that flows into a larger river or lake. This river is located in the town of Weedon, which is part of the Le Haut-Saint-François Regional County Municipality in the Estrie region of Quebec, Canada.
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Where the Rat River Flows
The Rat River starts in a forest area. This spot is right on the edge of what used to be the towns of Weedon and Fontainebleau. It begins west of Lake Elgin and east of Lake Louise.
The River's Journey
The river flows for about 8.5 kilometers (that's about 5.3 miles). It first travels southwest, running alongside the Saint-François River. Then, it turns northwest and follows a path called Fontainebleau. The river passes about 1.2 kilometers (less than a mile) north of the center of Fontainebleau village.
Where it Joins the Saint-François River
The Rat River eventually flows into the south bank of the Saint-François River. This meeting point is about 240 meters (about 787 feet) upstream from the Fontainebleau road bridge. It's also about 1.0 kilometer (0.6 miles) downstream from where Lake Louise flows into the Saint-François River.
What's in the Area Around the River?
The areas around the Rat River that drain water into it are called "hydrographic slopes."
- To the north, you'll find the Saint-François River and Lake Louise.
- To the east is Elgin Lake.
- To the south, there's the rivière au Saumon (Le Haut-Saint-François).
- To the west, you'll see the Saint-François River again and another part of the rivière au Saumon (Le Haut-Saint-François).
How the River Got its Name
The name "Rivière au Rat" (Rat River) became official on December 5, 1968. This name was formally recognized by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This commission is like a special group in Quebec that makes sure all place names are correct and official.
