Rivière des Neiges facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière des Neiges |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Quebec |
| Region | Capitale-Nationale |
| RCM | La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality |
| Unorganized territory | Lac-Jacques-Cartier |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lac des Neiges Lac-Jacques-Cartier Unorganized Territory 842 m (2,762 ft) 47°29′27″N 71°01′25″W / 47.49083°N 71.02361°W |
| River mouth | Montmorency River Lac-Jacques-Cartier Unorganized Territory 390 m (1,280 ft) 46°10′40″N 71°05′53″W / 46.17778°N 71.09806°W |
| Length | 36.6 km (22.7 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 372.8 km2 (143.9 sq mi) |
| Tributaries |
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The Rivière des Neiges is a river in Quebec, Canada. It flows into the Montmorency River from its east side. This river is located in the Lac-Jacques-Cartier area, which is part of the La Côte-de-Beaupré Regional County Municipality. This region is found in the Capitale-Nationale administrative area.
Because the river's water level is often low, you can only go kayaking there during the spring floods.
Contents
About the Rivière des Neiges
The Rivière des Neiges is the most important river that flows into the Montmorency River. It starts in Lac des Neiges, which is inside the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve. From there, it flows south for about 36.6 kilometres (22.7 mi) (22.7 miles). It eventually joins the Montmorency River just past the southern edge of the wildlife reserve.
The riverbed of the Rivière des Neiges is very rocky. The river flows down a valley that was carved out by glaciers long ago. This valley gets steeper as you go downstream. It offers amazing views, especially as you get closer to where it meets the Montmorency River.
The River's Journey
From the dam at the start of Lac des Neiges, the Rivière des Neiges flows for about 41.4 kilometres (25.7 mi) (25.7 miles). During this journey, it drops about 452 metres (1,483 ft) (1,483 feet) in height.
The upper part of the river, about 21.6 kilometres (13.4 mi) (13.4 miles) long, first goes east, then southeast. It passes through English Lake and flows near the old forest of Lac-des-Neiges. It also collects water from lakes like Lily, Malin, Génois, Morency, and Petit lac Génois. This part of the river flows through a valley that gets steeper and steeper.
The lower part of the river, about 19.8 kilometres (12.3 mi) (12.3 miles) long, continues south. It collects water from Lac Indigo and Lac Beaudry. It also flows through Lac des Petites Îles. Near the end, it meets the rivière du Camp Brûlé. Finally, it flows into the Montmorency River.
After the Rivière des Neiges joins the Montmorency River, the water travels another 46.3 kilometres (28.8 mi) (28.8 miles) south. This journey ends when it reaches the northwest bank of the Saint Lawrence River.
Winter on the River
Because of how high up it is, the upper part of the Rivière des Neiges usually freezes over from late November until early April. It's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from mid-December to the end of March. The lower part of the river freezes for about two weeks less than the upper part.
The water level of Lac des Neiges is controlled by a dam at its start. The river's water level changes with the seasons and how much rain or snow falls. The biggest flood of the year, called the spring flood, usually happens in March or April.
Exploring the Area
A forest road runs along the east side of the Rivière des Neiges, making it easier to reach. This road continues northeast from where the Savane River joins. Another forest road, R0308, comes from the south and goes along the east side of Lac des Neiges. This road helps people get to about a dozen cabins near the lake's outlet and the area north of the upper part of the Rivière des Neiges.
What's in a Name?
The name "Rivière des Neiges" means "Snow River." This name, and the name of Lac des Neiges (Snow Lake), comes from the fact that snow stays on the nearby mountain peaks for most of the year. This is much longer than in the lower valleys. The name "Snow River" first appeared on a map in 1852, drawn by a surveyor named Frederic William Blaiklock.
The Wendat people have their own name for this river: Kahndaoochaooyi Lahandawa.
The name "Rivière des Neiges" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968, by the Commission de toponymie du Québec, which is Quebec's place-name board.
