ATHABASCA GLACIER
Midway between Jasper and Banff is one
of the most popular attractions in Western Canada.
Athabasca Glacier
is part of the masssive Columbia Icefields which are a vast reservoir
of ancient water. The Icefields are the source of the headwaters
of three rivers that flow to three
different oceans. Nowhere else on Earth can you find a triple
continental divide that feeds water to three oceans.
As the glaciers
melt they are also sliding down the mountain sides and as they
do so are crushing vast amounts of prehistoric rock into a fine
powder, called rock flour. This powder floats into nearby lakes
and rivers. It becomes suspended in the water and reflects light
to our eager eyes. The colors are stunning and are different shades
of blue, green and grey. Colors vary at different times of day
and from lake to lake. It is a remarkable display that nature
puts on for lucky travelers to the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Glacier on a shelf!
