Rivière de la Grande Loutre facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière de la Grande Loutre |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean |
| Regional County Municipality | Maria-Chapdelaine Regional County Municipality |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Dubray Lake Passes-Dangereuses 553 m (1,814 ft) 51°08′22″N 71°53′17″W / 51.13944°N 71.88806°W |
| River mouth | Péribonka River Passes-Dangereuses 447 m (1,467 ft) 51°07′59″N 71°25′46″W / 51.13306°N 71.42944°W |
| Length | 72 km (45 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Progression | Péribonka River, Lac Saint-Jean, Saguenay River, Saint Lawrence River |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière de la Grande Loutre is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Péribonka River. This river is located in the unorganized territory of Passes-Dangereuses, within the Maria-Chapdelaine Regional County Municipality.
A forest road, R0206, helps people get to the upper part of the river's area. This road runs between Dubray Lake and lac de Bransac. Other smaller roads also help with forestry and tourism.
The main activity in this area is forestry, which means cutting down trees for wood. Tourism, like visiting for fun, is the second most important activity.
The Grande Loutre River usually freezes over from late November until early April. It's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from early December to early April.
Contents
Where Does the Grande Loutre River Flow?
The Grande Loutre River is surrounded by other important water bodies.
- To the north, you'll find the Péribonka River and lakes like Deux Milles, Natipi, Indicator Lake, and Pluto Lake.
- To the east, it's near the Péribonka River, Savane River, and Piacouadie Lake.
- To the south, it's close to the Péribonka River and lakes such as Machisque Lake, Onistagane Lake, and Gazeau.
- To the west, you can find Témiscamie Lake, Petit lac Témiscamie, Témiscamie River, Coursay Lake, lake Albanel, and Mistassini Lake.
The River's Beginning: Dubray Lake
The Grande Loutre River starts at Dubray Lake. This lake is about 5.3 km (3.3 mi) long and sits at an elevation of 553 m (1,814 ft). Dubray Lake is in the unorganized territory of Passes-Dangereuses.
From its source, the river flows for about 72 km (45 mi). It drops about 106 m (348 ft) in elevation as it travels through a forested area.
The River's Journey
The river's path can be divided into a few main parts:
Upper Part of the River
The first 16.6 m (54 ft) of the river flows generally east. It then turns north, going through lac de Bransac, which is about 4.2 km (2.6 mi) long. After that, it flows southeast through Palairet Lake, which is about 8.9 km (5.5 mi) long and has a unique shape with several peninsulas.
Middle Part of the River
The next 32.0 m (105.0 ft) of the river's journey involves crossing rapids and marshy areas. It makes a big U-turn and flows through several unnamed lakes. These lakes are at different elevations, like 491 m (1,611 ft), 481 m (1,578 ft), and 475 m (1,558 ft).
Lower Part of the River
The final 9.4 m (31 ft) of the river flows northeast, passing through another unnamed lake. It then turns north and finally east, making a large "M" shape before reaching its end.
Where the River Ends
The Grande Loutre River flows into the west bank of the Péribonka River. This meeting point is about 2.0 km (1.2 mi) downstream from where the Savane River joins the Péribonka.
From this point, the water from the Grande Loutre River travels a long way:
- It flows down the Péribonka River for about 345.5 km (214.7 mi) to the south.
- Then, it crosses Lac Saint-Jean for 29.3 km (18.2 mi) eastward.
- After that, it follows the Saguenay River for 155 km (96 mi) eastward.
- Finally, it reaches Tadoussac and joins the mighty Saint Lawrence River.
What Does "Grande Loutre" Mean?
The name "Rivière de la Grande Loutre" means "River of the Great Otter" in French. This name was officially recognized on March 3, 1971, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is the organization in charge of place names in Quebec.
