Belly River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Belly River |
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The Belly River in Waterton Lakes National Park
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| Country | Canada, United States |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Helen Lake 1,570 meters (5,150 ft) 48°59′37″N 113°39′56″W / 48.99373°N 113.66556°W |
| River mouth | Oldman River 875 meters (2,871 ft) 49°46′08″N 113°02′09″W / 49.76884°N 113.03570°W |
| Basin features | |
| River system | Saskatchewan River |
The Belly River is a cool river that flows through two countries. It starts in northwest Montana, United States, and then crosses into southern Alberta, Canada.
It's like a smaller river that flows into a bigger one. The Belly River flows into the Oldman River. The Oldman River then joins the South Saskatchewan River.
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What Does "Belly River" Mean?
The name "Belly River" might come from the Blackfoot language. The Blackfoot people called it mokowan or mokoan. This word means 'stomach'. So, the river was once known as the Mokowan River.
The Gros Ventre people also had a name for it. Their name, ʔinɔ́tɔnníícááh, also means 'belly river'.
Scientists even named a type of rock after this river! The Cretaceous age Belly River Formation is a layer of rock. It was first studied along the river's banks in 1883.
Where Does the Belly River Flow?
The Belly River starts in a beautiful place. Its journey begins in northwest Montana at Helen Lake. This lake is near Ahern Peak in Glacier National Park.
From Montana to Alberta
From its start, the river flows north. It crosses the border into Alberta, Canada. This happens near Chief Mountain, which is east of Waterton Lakes National Park.
The river keeps flowing north. It goes under Highway 6 and Highway 5. It passes close to small towns like Hill Spring and Glenwood. Then, it turns towards the northeast.
Joining Other Rivers
The Belly River is crossed by Highway 2. This crossing is just north of Stand Off. It continues north along the Mokowan Ridge. Here, it meets the Waterton River, which adds more water to it.
The river then starts to curve and wind a lot. This is called becoming "meandered." Finally, it turns east around Wild Turnip Hill. The Belly River then empties into the Oldman River. This meeting point is west of Coalhurst and south of Highway 3. The river is about 875 meters (2,871 ft) high at this spot.
Rivers and Creeks That Join the Belly River
Many smaller rivers and creeks flow into the Belly River. These are called tributaries. They add water to the Belly River as it flows.
Here are some of the tributaries:
- North Belly River
- Mami Creek
- Dipping Vat Lake
- Bullhorn Coulee
- Layton Creek
- Waterton River
- McNab Coulee
