Dorlay
| Dorlay | |
|---|---|
| Country | France |
| Location | Rhône-Alpes |
| Basin features | |
| Main source | Mont Pilat |
| Progression | Gier→ Rhône→ Mediterranean Sea |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Length | 15.6 km (9.7 mi) |
Coordinates: 45°30′37″N 4°34′15″E / 45.510204°N 4.570944°E
The Dorlay is a French river that flows through the Loire department. It is a tributary of the Gier, which in turn is a tributary of the Rhone. The Gier valley was formerly heavily industrialized with coal and iron mines and factories.
The Dorlay rises in Mont Pilat. It is 15.6 kilometres (9.7 mi) long. Tributaries are the Artiole, Mornante and Sellon. The Mornante and Sellon are known for the presence of white-clawed crayfish, a heritage species. The catchment area is about 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi) The source of the river is at an altitude of over 1,400 metres (4,600 ft), while the average elevation of the basin is 730 metres (2,400 ft) The upper part of the basin is forested or pastureland.
A manuscript of 1200 gives the river the Latin name of Dorleum. In 1224 it is called Aqua de Dorllei. Subsequent mentions call it Rivus de Dorlay (1359), Dorleys (1527), Dourley (1718) and Dourlay (1789). It flows through the communes of La Grand-Croix, Saint-Paul-en-Jarez, Lorette, La Terrasse-sur-Dorlay and Doizieux. In the past, the river powered many weaving workshops in the valley.
Construction of a dam on the Dorlay by the town of Rive-de-Gier was discussed in 1884 but the project was abandoned due to cost.
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Wikipedia