Driftpile River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Driftpile River |
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The Dirftpile River near Lesser Slave Lake
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Swan Hills 1,153 m (3,783 ft) 54°52′24″N 115°45′51″W / 54.87333°N 115.76417°W |
| River mouth | Lesser Slave Lake 577 m (1,893 ft) 55°22′37″N 115°38′27″W / 55.37694°N 115.64083°W |
The Driftpile River is a river located in central Alberta, Canada. It flows into Lesser Slave Lake, one of Alberta's largest lakes. From there, the water continues its journey through the Lesser Slave River, which is a big branch of the mighty Athabasca River.
About the Driftpile River
The Driftpile River starts in the Swan Hills area of central Alberta. It then flows north until it reaches Lesser Slave Lake. Rivers that flow into a larger river or lake are called tributaries. The main tributary that joins the Driftpile River is the Little Driftpile River.
Why the Name "Driftpile"?
The name "Driftpile" has an interesting story. The Geological Survey of Canada, a group that studies Canada's land and resources, was already using this name by 1892. The river was named because of the large amounts of driftwood that would gather at its mouth. Driftwood is wood that has been carried by water and washed ashore or collected in one spot.
Places Along the River
As the Driftpile River flows, it passes by several important places. Alberta Highway 2 crosses over the river, making it easy for people to travel. The river also flows past the small community, or hamlet, of Driftpile, Alberta. It also goes by the Driftpile River First Nation, which is a community of Indigenous people.
