Lake Mistassini

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Lake Mistassini, Canada
Coordinates 50°5′N, 73°2′W
Lake type Oligotrophic
Primary sources various rivers
Primary outflows Rupert River
Catchment area 1,813 km² (700 mile²)
Basin countries Canada
Max length 161 km (100 mile)
Max width 19 km (12 mile)
Surface area 2,335 km² (902 mile²)
Max depth 183 m (600 ft)
Water volume 150 km³ (36 mile³)
Surface elevation 372 m (1220 ft)
Islands Pahipanouk
Tchapahipane

Lake Mistassini (in French: Lac Mistassini) is the largest natural lake by surface area in the province of Quebec, Canada, with a total surface area of approximately 2,335 km² [1] and a net area (water surface area only) of 2164 km² [2]. It is located in the Jamésie region of the province, approximately 360 km east of James Bay [3]. The Cree town of Mistissini is located on Watson Peninsula in the south-east corner of the lake, which separates Baie du Poste from Abatagouche Bay.

Extensive forests of Spruce, Birch, Pine, and Fir trees, which support a booming forestry industry, surround the lake. The region is also noted to be one of Canada's largest agricultural producers of blueberries[4].

At the outflow into the Rupert River stands a large 3 m boulder which the native Cree used to name the lake, mista-assini which directly translated means large stone.

Significant rivers flowing into the lake include:

  • Chalifour
  • Takwa
  • Témiscamie
  • Wabissinane

[edit] References

  1. ^ http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/phys05.htm
  2. ^ Atlas of Canada
  3. ^ http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0005343
  4. ^ http://www.bonjourquebec.com/qc-en/fiches/en/evenements/1402912.html
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