We checked into the motel in Jasper in late afternoon of 26 August 2017 after a hectic yet unforgettable day along the highway from Banff to Jasper.
The next morning after breakfast, we drove to our first destination of the day - Athabasca Falls, approx 30Km back along the highway we covered the day before.
Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park is situated upstream of Athabasca River, 30Km southeast of Jasper. Athabasca River is the longest river in Alberta (almost 1,550Km). It originates from Colombia Icefield and discharges into the longest river of Canada, the Mackenzie River which ultimately drains into the Arctic Ocean.
The Falls at 23m high is small but the force generated from the large volume of water falling into the gorge is indeed impressive.
As far as its formation, the Falls as we see now came about over a very very long period of time. The river water falls over a hard layer of hard rock strata (quartzite) and then through the softer limestone thus carving the gorge and a number of potholes.
To have the various views of this Falls, we moved around using the walking trails and stopped at the numerous viewing platforms built at very strategic locations.
As far as its formation, the Falls as we see now came about over a very very long period of time. The river water falls over a hard layer of hard rock strata (quartzite) and then through the softer limestone thus carving the gorge and a number of potholes.
To have the various views of this Falls, we moved around using the walking trails and stopped at the numerous viewing platforms built at very strategic locations.
Water sometimes looked milky and sometimes mild turquoise. By now, we understand that this effect is caused by the glacier flour or rock flour as the water originates from the glaciers.
The spot is also a favourite for white water rafting.
No comments:
Post a Comment