Milk River Ridge facts for kids
The Milk River Ridge is a high, flat area of land in southwestern Alberta, Canada. It covers a large area, about 2,700 square kilometers (1,042 square miles). The top of this flat area, called a plateau, is about 1,219 meters (4,023 feet) above sea level. This makes it about 274 meters (904 feet) higher than the city of Lethbridge to its north. The Milk River flows right through this plateau.
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Discovering the Milk River Ridge
The Milk River Ridge is a unique landform. It stands tall and flat, like a giant table in the landscape. Its high elevation makes it a special place in Alberta.
How the Ridge Was Formed
This amazing ridge was created thousands of years ago. Huge sheets of ice, called glaciers, once covered much of Canada. As these glaciers slowly melted and moved away, they shaped the land. The Milk River Ridge was one of the few places in Canada that was not completely covered by ice during the last Ice Age. This means it has a very old and interesting history.
Weather on the Plateau
Because the Milk River Ridge is so high, it can be very windy. Strong winds, especially the warm Chinook wind, often blow across the plateau. While it's rare, it can even snow in the summer! For example, there was a big snowfall in August 1992, and another in July 1999. These events show how unique the weather can be on the ridge.
Amazing Wildlife of the Ridge
The rolling grasslands of the Milk River Ridge are home to many different animals. You might spot mule deer or white-tailed deer grazing. Fast-running pronghorn also live here. Smaller creatures like the yellow-bellied marmot can be found too. The ridge is also a great place for birdwatching. Large birds of prey, such as the ferruginous hawk, golden eagle, and prairie falcon, soar high above the grasslands.
