Rivière aux Outardes (Chateauguay River tributary) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière aux Outardes |
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|---|---|
| Country | United States, Canada |
| State - Province | New York State, Quebec |
| Region | Clinton County, New York (New York State), Montérégie (Quebec) |
| Region | Clinton County, New York, Le Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Clinton County, New York, New York State, United States 48 metres (157 ft) |
| River mouth | Ormstown, Le Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality, Montérégie, Quebec, Canada 40 metres (130 ft) |
| Length | 18.2 kilometres (11.3 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Chateauguay River - Saint Lawrence River |
| River system | Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière aux Outardes (which means Bustard River in English) is a smaller river that flows into the Chateauguay River. It runs through the towns of Hinchinbrooke and Ormstown. These towns are part of the Le Haut-Saint-Laurent Regional County Municipality in the Montérégie area of Quebec, Canada.
The river's surface usually freezes from early December to late March. However, it's safest to walk or play on the ice from late December to early March. The amount of water in the river changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. A big increase in water, called a spring flood, usually happens in March or April.
Where is the Rivière aux Outardes?
The Rivière aux Outardes starts where several small streams meet. These streams are in farm areas north of a tiny place called Athelstan. This spot is east of the Trout River. It is also southeast of the village of Huntingdon. The river begins just north of the border between Canada and the United States. It is also south of Route 202.
River's Path and Nearby Waters
The main areas that drain water into the Rivière aux Outardes are called hydrographic slopes. Think of them as the land areas where rain and snow melt flow into this river.
- To the north: The Chateauguay River.
- To the east: The Chateauguay River and Smith Creek.
- To the south: The Rivière aux Outardes Est (East Bustard River).
- To the west: Cluff Creek and the Trout River.
The Rivière aux Outardes flows for about 11.8 kilometers (7.3 miles) until it meets the Rivière aux Outardes Est in Hinchinbrooke. After that, it flows another 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) to its end.
The river generally flows northeast through farmland. It runs somewhat parallel to the Chateauguay River, staying on its south side and slowly getting closer to it. The two rivers meet about 270 meters (886 feet) upstream from the Route 138 bridge over the Chateauguay River. This meeting point is also about 0.8 kilometers (0.5 miles) upstream from the Ormstown village bridge.
A road called "Chemin de la rivière aux Outardes" runs along the south side of the river. This road stretches between Montée Rockburn and the river's mouth. The part of the river between the Rivière aux Outardes Est and its mouth has six areas with rapids.
Naming the River
The name "Rivière aux Outardes" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like the official naming board for places in Quebec.
