| Khyex River | |
|---|---|
  Mouth of Khyex River | |
| Location | |
| Country | Canada |
| Province | British Columbia |
| District | Range 5 Coast Land District |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Source | Kitimat Ranges |
| • location | Coast Mountains |
| • coordinates | 54°30′37″N129°41′27″W / 54.51028°N 129.69083°W /54.51028; -129.69083[2] |
| • elevation | 800 m (2,600 ft)[3] |
| Mouth | Skeena River |
• coordinates | 54°13′52″N129°48′22″W / 54.23111°N 129.80611°W /54.23111; -129.80611[1] |
• elevation | 6 m (20 ft)[3] |
| Length | 50 km (31 mi)[4] |
TheKhyex River is atributary of theSkeena River in theNorth Coast Regional District of theprovince ofBritish Columbia,Canada. It originates in theKitimat Ranges of theCoast Mountains, and flows south about 50 km (31 mi) to the lower tidal reach of the Skeena River,[4][5] about 13 km (8.1 mi) upriver fromPort Essington, 35 km (22 mi) southeast ofPrince Rupert, and about 85 km (53 mi) southwest ofTerrace.[1] Itswatershed covers 442 km2 (171 sq mi),[6] and its mean annualdischarge is 458.2 m3/s (16,180 cu ft/s).[6]
Almost all of the Khyex River's watershed is contained within the Khyex Conservancy.[7]
The Khyex River's watershed is within the asserted territory of theTsimshianLax-kw'alaams First Nation and theMetlakatla First Nation.[8]
The Khyex River originates in high, glaciated peaks of the Kitimat Range, such asMount Campagnolo andKhyex Tower.[9][10] The river flows south to the Skeena River, collecting a number of tributary streams, the largest of which is Arden Creek.[11][5]
The Khyex River's watershed'sland cover is classified as 32.4% Barren, 31.8% Coniferous, 12.4% Grassland, and 10.3% Snow/Glacier.[6]
TheIndian reserves Kyex 64,[12] Khyex 8,[13] Ksagwisgwas 62,[14] and Ksagwisgwas 63[15] are located along the Khyex River.
The Khyex River supports of runs of salmonids includingChinook salmon,chum salmon,coho salmon,pink salmon, andsteelhead trout. A 2 km (1.2 mi) long canyon with falls and chutes acts as a barrier to anadromous fish passage, blocking such fish from reaching the upper Khyex watershed.[16] The river also supports runs ofeulachon.[16]