Rivière des Rochers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rivière des Rochers |
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 Location of mouth within Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Lake Athabasca Alberta, Canada |
| River mouth | Slave River Alberta, Canada 58°58′53″N 111°24′13″W / 58.98139°N 111.40361°W |
The Rivière des Rochers is a river found in Alberta, Canada. Its name comes from the French words meaning "River of Rocks." This river is a very important part of the Peace–Athabasca Delta and flows through Wood Buffalo National Park.
It is the main river that flows out of Lake Athabasca. The river travels north, winding around many islands. Eventually, it meets with the Peace River to create the larger Slave River.
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About the Rivière des Rochers
The Rivière des Rochers is a key waterway in northern Alberta. It helps connect several large bodies of water. This river plays a big role in the local environment and the flow of water in the region.
Where the River Flows
The journey of the Rivière des Rochers begins at Lake Athabasca. This lake is shared between Alberta and Saskatchewan. The river then flows north through a special area called the Peace–Athabasca Delta.
The delta is a huge wetland where the Peace River, Athabasca River, and Slave River meet. It is one of the largest freshwater deltas in the world. The Rivière des Rochers is a vital part of this amazing natural system.
As the river moves north, it passes through Wood Buffalo National Park. This park is Canada's largest national park. It is home to many different animals, including the world's largest herd of free-roaming wood bison.
Meeting Other Rivers
Near its end, the Rivière des Rochers splits into many smaller channels. These channels form a delta, which is a landform created when a river deposits sediment as it enters another body of water. In this case, it forms a delta on the Slave River.
The Slave River is formed when the Rivière des Rochers joins the Peace River. The Slave River then flows north towards the Arctic Ocean. This connection shows how all these rivers are linked together.
A Special River Feature
One very interesting thing about the Rivière des Rochers is its flow. During times of high water, usually in late spring and summer, the river's flow can actually reverse! This means water from the Peace River system can flow back into Lake Athabasca.
This happens because of the unique flat landscape of the delta. When the Peace River has a lot of water, its levels can rise higher than Lake Athabasca. This causes the water to push back into the lake through the Rivière des Rochers. This natural event helps to keep the delta's wetlands healthy.
