Medicine Lake (Alberta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Medicine Lake |
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Cedar strip freighter canoes (1991)
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 Medicine Lake
Location in Alberta
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| Location | Jasper National Park, Alberta |
| Coordinates | 52°51′27″N 117°45′35″W / 52.85750°N 117.75972°W |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 7 km (4.3 mi) |
Medicine Lake is a special body of water found in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It's about 20 km (12 mi) southeast of the town of Jasper, Alberta. Medicine Lake is around 7 km (4.3 mi) long and isn't very deep. It's part of the Maligne Valley area, and its water mostly comes from melting glaciers.
The Mystery of Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is quite unique because it's not a typical lake! It's actually a place where the Maligne River flows in and then suddenly disappears underground. Think of it like a giant bathtub with a drain. During the summer, when lots of snow and ice melt, the river fills up this area. It becomes a "lake" because the water flows in faster than it can drain away.
In winter, the "lake" almost vanishes. It turns into a winding, frozen river. As the meltwater slows down, the "lake" slowly drains away through its underground passages.
Scientists in the 1970s wanted to understand this amazing underground system. They put a special, safe dye into the water. This dye showed up in many other lakes and rivers nearby. This proved that Medicine Lake is connected to one of the biggest underground river systems in the world!
Animals of Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a great spot for fish and other wildlife. You can find lots of rainbow trout and brook trout here. This makes it a popular place for people who enjoy fly fishing.
Even though it's a high-altitude lake, many animals visit the area. Some of the larger mammals you might see in summer include grizzly bears, black bears, mule deer, caribou, wolves, moose, and mountain sheep.
Birds like bald eagles and osprey also come to Medicine Lake. They often hunt for fish in the lake's waters.
Gallery
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Medicine Lake in November
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Medicine Lake in November
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Medicine Lake in November
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Medicine Lake in November
Images for kids
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A black bear sleeps in front of a den that it has dug out of the dry lakebed of Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.
