Whitesand River (Lake Nipigon) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whitesand River |
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|---|---|
| Country | Canada |
| Province | Ontario |
| Region | Northwestern Ontario |
| District | Thunder Bay |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Selassie Lake 334 m (1,096 ft) 50°26′42″N 88°44′47″W / 50.44500°N 88.74639°W |
| River mouth | Lake Nipigon 260 m (850 ft) 50°10′10″N 88°49′16″W / 50.16944°N 88.82111°W |
| Length | 37 km (23 mi) |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Lake Nipigon |
| Tributaries |
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The Whitesand River is a river located in the Thunder Bay District of Ontario, Canada. It flows south and eventually empties into the northwest part of Lake Nipigon. The river is about 37 km (23 mi) long, which is roughly the distance of a marathon!
Where the River Starts
The Whitesand River begins its journey at Selassie Lake. This lake is quite high up, at an elevation of about 334 metres (1,096 ft) above sea level. Right next to Selassie Lake is another lake called Haile Lake. Both lakes are named after Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia, a famous emperor. Haile Lake also flows into Lake Nipigon, but its water takes a different path through the Pikitigushi River system.
The River's Path
From Selassie Lake, the Whitesand River first flows towards the southwest, then turns south. Along its way, another smaller stream, called Blackett Creek, joins the Whitesand River. This happens when the river is at an elevation of about 313 metres (1,027 ft).
The river continues its journey south and soon enters Whitesand Lake. Here, the elevation is around 311 metres (1,020 ft). After leaving Whitesand Lake, the river flows another 23 kilometres (14 mi) south until it reaches JoJo Lake. At JoJo Lake, the elevation is about 304 metres (997 ft).
Crossing the River
At the southern end of JoJo Lake, a major railway line crosses over the Whitesand River. This is the Canadian National Railway's transcontinental line, which means it stretches across the entire country! This crossing is located just east of Armstrong Airport and about 11.5 kilometres (7.1 mi) east of the small community of Armstrong, Thunder Bay District, Ontario.
Journey to Lake Nipigon
After passing JoJo Lake, the Whitesand River travels another 3.6 kilometres (2.2 mi) south until it reaches a beautiful waterfall. From the waterfall, the river flows about 10.4 kilometres (6.5 mi) further southeast. Finally, it reaches its mouth and empties into the large Lake Nipigon. The total distance the river travels from Selassie Lake to Lake Nipigon is 37 kilometres (23 mi).
