Whitefish River (Northwest Territories) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitefish River |
|
|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Territory | Northwest Territories |
| Region | Sahtu |
| District | Deline |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Unnamed lake 480 m (1,570 ft) 65°44′20″N 122°44′51″W / 65.73889°N 122.74750°W |
| River mouth | Great Bear Lake 186 m (610 ft) 65°55′00″N 124°48′07″W / 65.91667°N 124.80194°W |
| Length | 144 km (89 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 4,740 km2 (1,830 sq mi) |
The Whitefish River is a cool river in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It flows through the Deline District, which is part of the Sahtu Region. This river is an important part of the huge Arctic Ocean and Mackenzie River water systems. It eventually flows into Great Bear Lake, one of the biggest lakes in the world! The area that collects water for the Whitefish River is about 4,740 square kilometers (1,830 square miles).
Contents
River Journey: Where Whitefish River Flows
The Whitefish River starts its journey from an unnamed lake. This lake is quite high up, about 480 meters (1,570 feet) above sea level. From there, the river travels for about 144 kilometers (89 miles). It winds its way through the beautiful landscapes of the Northwest Territories.
Reaching Great Bear Lake
After its long journey, the Whitefish River finally empties into Great Bear Lake. This lake is very large and deep. It is also a significant part of the Mackenzie River drainage basin. The Mackenzie River is one of the longest rivers in North America. The Whitefish River helps feed water into this massive system.
Understanding River Flow: Hydrology
Scientists study rivers to understand how much water they carry. This is called hydrology. They use special equipment to measure the river's flow.
How River Flow is Measured
A special measuring station, called a hydrometric station, was set up near the mouth of the Whitefish River. This station collected important information about the river's water flow. It operated between 1977 and 1992. During that time, it recorded that the river carried about 13.6 cubic meters (480 cubic feet) of water every second on average. That's like filling about five bathtubs with water every second! The station was set up again in July 2017 to continue monitoring the river.
Why River Monitoring Matters
Monitoring the river's flow is important for many reasons. It helps scientists understand:
- How much water is available for plants and animals.
- How the river might change with weather and climate.
- How the river affects the larger water systems it connects to.
The River's Home: Sahtu Region
The Whitefish River flows through the Sahtu Region of the Northwest Territories. This region is known for its vast wilderness and beautiful natural features. It is also home to many Indigenous communities, including the community of Deline. These communities have a deep connection to the land and its rivers.
Wildlife Around the River
Rivers like the Whitefish River are vital for local wildlife. They provide water, food, and homes for many different animals. While specific animals are not mentioned, rivers in this region often support:
- Various types of fish, including whitefish (which the river might be named after!).
- Mammals like moose, caribou, and bears that come to the river for water.
- Birds that nest near the water or feed on fish and insects.
