Rivière de la Savane (île d'Orléans) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière de la Savane |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| MRC | L'Île-d'Orléans Regional County Municipality |
| Municipality | Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Little lake Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans 76 m (249 ft) 46°59′17″N 70°51′05″W / 46.98806°N 70.85139°W |
| River mouth | Chenal des Grands Voiliers (Saint Lawrence River) Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans 4 m (13 ft) 46°59′15″N 70°49′14″W / 46.98750°N 70.82056°W |
| Length | 3.2 km (2.0 mi) |
The Savane River is a small river in Quebec, Canada. It flows through the town of Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. This river is located on Île d'Orléans, a beautiful island. A road called Chemin Royale (also known as Route 368) follows the river's lower part.
Most of the land around the river is used for farming. There is also a small forest area near the river's beginning. The river usually freezes from early December to late March. It's safest to walk on the ice from mid-December to mid-March. The river's water level changes with the seasons and how much rain falls. The biggest water flow, called the spring flood, happens in March or April.
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Where Does the Savane River Start and End?
The Savane River begins in a small lake used for farming. This lake is about 76 metres (249 ft) (249 feet) above sea level. It is located between two hills in Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans. The river's source is about 3.3 kilometres (2.1 mi) (2.1 miles) southwest of the village center. It is also about 2.1 kilometres (1.3 mi) (1.3 miles) west of the Saint Lawrence River.
How Long is the Savane River's Journey?
From its start, the Savane River flows for about 3.2 kilometres (2.0 mi) (2 miles). During its journey, the river drops about 72 metres (236 ft) (236 feet) in height.
Here's how the river flows:
- It goes northeast for 1.3 kilometres (0.81 mi) (0.8 miles) until it reaches a bend.
- Then, it flows east and northeast for 0.9 kilometres (0.56 mi) (0.6 miles) to another bend. Here, a small stream joins the river from the northwest.
- Finally, it travels east for 1.0 kilometre (0.62 mi) (0.6 miles). Along this part, it passes near the Île d'Orléans Heliport and crosses Route 368.
Where Does the Savane River Meet the St. Lawrence?
The Savane River flows into the Chenal des Grands Voiliers. This channel is part of the mighty Saint Lawrence River. At low tide, the river flows over a sandy area about a hundred meters long. The mouth of the Savane River is on the west bank of the Chenal des Grands Voiliers, which is about 9.0 metres (29.5 ft) (30 feet) wide there.
The river's mouth is across from Île Madame, which is about 2.8 metres (9 ft 2 in) (9.2 feet) to the east. This spot is about 1.7 metres (5 ft 7 in) (5.6 feet) south of the village center of Saint-François-de-l'Île-d'Orléans.
What Does "Savane" Mean?
The name "Savane River" comes from an area at the river's beginning that was called "Savane." A "savane" is a type of grassland or meadow.
The official name "Rivière de la Savane" was made formal on February 4, 1982. This was done by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is like a naming committee for places in Quebec.
