Wachigabau Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wachigabau Lake |
|
|---|---|
Watershed of Nottaway River
|
|
 Wachigabau Lake
Location in Quebec
|
|
| Location | Eeyou Istchee Baie-James (municipality) |
| Coordinates | 49°33′13″N 75°52′32″W / 49.55361°N 75.87556°W |
| Primary inflows |
|
| Primary outflows | Opawica River (Lichen Lake (Opawica River)) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 31.5 kilometres (19.6 mi) |
| Max. width | 4.3 kilometres (2.7 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 302 metres (991 ft) |
Wachigabau Lake is a freshwater lake in Quebec, Canada. It is located in the southeastern part of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay area. The Opawica River flows right through it. This lake stretches across several areas called cantons: Gand, Lespérance, La Roncière, and La Ronde.
The main activity around the lake is forestry, which means managing forests for wood. After that, people enjoy tourism and recreation. You can boat for about 30.0 kilometres (18.6 mi) across Lichen Lake (Opawica River). Wachigabau Lake adds another 31.5 kilometres (19.6 mi) of boating fun. The lake gets its shape partly because of a dam at its end. It is also connected to Lichen Lake (Opawica River) to the south.
You can reach the northwestern part of Wachigabau Lake by a forest road. This road, Route 113, goes north-west of Opawica Lake. It connects the towns of Chibougamau and Lebel-sur-Quévillon. The northern side of the lake is also reachable by the Canadian National Railway. The railway crosses a narrow strip of land between Opawica and Wachigabau Lakes.
Wachigabau Lake usually freezes over from early November. It stays frozen until mid-May. However, it's generally safe to walk or travel on the ice from mid-November to mid-April.
Lake Features and Rivers
Wachigabau Lake is an expanded part of the Opawica River. It is about 31.5 kilometres (19.6 mi) long. The lake has an irregular crescent shape. Its widest point is 4.3 kilometres (2.7 mi). The lake sits at an elevation of 302 metres (991 ft) above sea level. The shoreline is quite complex. There are three large peninsulas on the south side. Two more peninsulas are on the north side.
Tush Bay is a long arm of the lake, stretching 10.7 kilometres (6.6 mi) to the east. Water from Relique Lake flows into this bay. On the other hand, water from Barbie Lake flows into a bay on the western side of Wachigabau Lake.
The Opawica River flows from the east. It first goes through Savard Lakes and Lichen Lake. Then it enters Wachigabau Lake. Finally, it flows into Opawica Lake through two entry points. These points are at each end of Goéland Island. This island is 5.1 kilometres (3.2 mi) long and 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) wide. Goéland Island and two peninsulas form a long strip of land. This strip is 14.6 kilometres (9.1 mi) long. The Canadian National Railway runs along this entire strip.
The two main exits of Wachigabau Lake are in the north. They are in the middle of the lake. One is in Lespérance canton, and the other in Gand canton.
- They are 6.6 kilometres (4.1 mi) southeast of where Lichen Lake (Opawica River) flows out.
- They are 14.4 kilometres (8.9 mi) south of the Opawica River's mouth.
- They are 17.0 kilometres (10.6 mi) southeast of the village of Waswanipi.
- They are 81.3 kilometres (50.5 mi) east of the mouth of Goéland Lake (Waswanipi River).
- They are 289 kilometres (180 mi) southeast of the mouth of the Nottaway River.
- They are 129 kilometres (80 mi) east of downtown Matagami.
- They are 115.2 kilometres (71.6 mi) southwest of downtown Chibougamau.
Surrounding Waterways
Many rivers and lakes are connected to Wachigabau Lake. Here are the main ones nearby:
- North side: Opawica Lake, Opawica River, Chibougamau River, Waswanipi River.
- East side: Opawica River, Germain Creek, Germain Lake, Lessard Lake, Doda Lake.
- South side: Lichen Lake (Opawica River), Margry Creek, Margry Lake, Nicobi River, Nicobi Lake, Pierrefonds River.
- West side: Auger Creek, Bachelor River, Waswanipi Lake, Pusticamica Lake.
From the dam at the end of Opawica Lake, the Opawica River flows for 14 kilometres (8.7 mi). It first goes northeast, then turns northwest. It then meets the Chibougamau River. When these two rivers join, they form the beginning of the Waswanipi River.
Name Origin
The name "lac Wachigabau" was officially recognized on December 5, 1968. This happened when the Commission de toponymie du Québec was created. This commission is responsible for naming places in Quebec.
