Rivière au Saumon (Le Val-Saint-François) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière au Saumon |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Estrie |
| MRC | Le Haut-Saint-François Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Weedon |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Brompton Lake Saint-Denis-de-Brompton 239 m (784 ft) 45°28′14″N 72°07′57″W / 45.47056°N 72.13250°W |
| River mouth | Saint-François River Melbourne 119 metres (390 ft) 45°28′14″N 72°07′00″W / 45.47056°N 72.11667°W |
| Length | 23.0 km (14.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Saint-François River, Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière au Saumon (which means Salmon River in English) is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Saint-François River, which then joins the mighty Saint Lawrence River. The Salmon River starts from Lake Brompton and its water basin covers about 291 km2 (112 sq mi).
This river flows through several towns in the Estrie region, including Saint-Denis-de-Brompton, Racine, Kingsbury, and Melbourne. People in this area mostly work in forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Farming is also important, especially closer to where the river ends.
During winter, the Salmon River usually freezes over from mid-December to mid-March. However, it's generally safe to walk or play on the ice from late December to early March, but always be careful!
About the Salmon River's Path
The Salmon River is surrounded by other rivers and streams. Here are some of its neighbors:
- North side: The Ulverton River and the Saint-François River.
- East side: The Saint-François River.
- South side: The Magog River.
- West side: Gulf brook, Brandy brook, the Noire River (Yamaska River), and the Renne River.
The Salmon River begins at Lake Brompton. The water flows out of the lake from its northeast side, near a small area called "Lac-Brompton" in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton.
How the River Flows
From the bridge on Route 222 at Lake Brompton, the Salmon River travels through a valley:
- It flows about 0.3 km (0.19 mi) north in Saint-Denis-de-Brompton.
- Then, it flows about 5.7 km (3.5 mi) north, forming the border between Saint-François-Xavier-de-Brompton and Racine.
- Next, it goes about 5.0 km (3.1 mi) north through Melbourne, picking up water from Gulf brook.
- It continues for about 5.8 km (3.6 mi) north in Kingsbury, where it collects water from the Ruisseau des Vases.
- Finally, it flows about 6.2 km (3.9 mi) north in Melbourne, getting water from Horre stream before it reaches its end.
The Salmon River joins the west side of the Saint-François River. This meeting point is about 0.9 km (0.56 mi) downstream from Morin Island. It's also about 10.2 km (6.3 mi) downstream from the Papetiers Bridge (which connects "Greenlay" and Windsor) and 3.8 km (2.4 mi) upstream from the Mackenzie Bridge (which connects Melbourne and Richmond).
What's in a Name?
Long ago, this river was known by its English name, "Salmon Brook River." The Abenaki people, who are Indigenous to this area, called it "Madakik." This name means "bad land."
The official name, "Rivière au Saumon," was formally recorded on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec. This commission is in charge of naming places in Quebec.
