Lake Mistassini
Lake Mistassini (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 square kilometres (902 sq mi) and a net area (water surface area only) of 2,164 square kilometres (836 sq mi). It is located in the Jamésie region of the province, approximately 360 kilometers (220 mi) east of James Bay. 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.
| Lake Mistassini | |
|---|---|
Satellite image of Lakes Mistassini and Albanel | |
Lake Mistassini Location in Quebec | |
| Location | Baie-James, Jamésie Territory, Quebec |
| Coordinates | 50°57′N 73°42′W |
| Type | Oligotrophic |
| Primary inflows | Wabissinane River, Pépeshquasati River, Takwa River, Lake Albanel, Chalifour River (via Cabistachouane Bay), À la Perche River (Mistassini Lake) (via De l'Esker Bay and Du Poste Bay), Waconichi River (via Du Poste Bay), Pipounichouane River (via "Des Plongeurs Bay") |
| Primary outflows | Rupert River |
| Catchment area | 19,676 km2 (7,597 sq mi) |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 161 km (100 mi) |
| Max. width | 19 km (12 mi) |
| Surface area | 2,164 km2 (836 sq mi) |
| Average depth | 69.3 m (227 ft) |
| Max. depth | 183 m (600 ft) |
| Water volume | 150 km3 (36 cu mi) |
| Shore length1 | 3,235 km (2,010 mi) |
| Surface elevation | 372 m (1,220 ft) |
| Frozen | november to june |
| Islands | Pahipanouk Tchapahipane |
| 1 Shore length is not a well-defined measure. | |
Significant tributaries flowing into the lake include: Chalifour, Pépeshquasati, Takwa, Témiscamie, and Wabissinane.
Other nearby lakes include Lake Albanel and Lake Troilus.