Mount Foch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount Foch |
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Mounts Foch and Sarrail
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,194 m (10,479 ft) |
| Prominence | 384 m (1,260 ft) |
| Parent peak | Mount Petain (3196 m) |
| Listing | Mountains of Alberta |
| Geography | |
 Mount Foch
Location in Alberta
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| Country | Canada |
| Parent range | Park Ranges |
| Topo map | NTS 82J/11 |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1930 Katie Gardiner, Walter Fuez |
Mount Foch is a towering mountain peak that stands 3,194 meters (about 10,479 feet) tall. It is located right on the border between the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. This special location means it sits on the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant natural line across North America. It separates the rivers and streams that flow towards the Pacific Ocean from those that flow towards the Atlantic or Arctic Oceans.
Mount Foch was given its name in 1918. It was named after Ferdinand Foch, a very important French military leader. He was a Marshal of France and played a key role during World War I.
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Exploring Mount Foch
Mount Foch is a significant landmark in the Canadian Rockies. Its impressive height makes it one of the notable peaks in the region.
First Climbers to Reach the Top
The first people known to climb Mount Foch were Kate (Katie) Gardiner and Walter Feuz. They successfully reached the summit in 1930. That same year, this adventurous duo also made the first climbs of two other nearby mountains: Mount Sarrail and Mount Lyautey.
How Mount Foch Was Formed
The rocks that make up Mount Foch tell a long story about Earth's history. The mountain is made of sedimentary rock. This type of rock forms from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of ancient sea creatures that settle at the bottom of oceans over millions of years.
These layers were laid down during periods called the Precambrian and Jurassic. Over time, powerful forces within the Earth pushed these rock layers upwards. This happened during an event called the Laramide orogeny. This process created the huge mountain ranges we see today, including the Canadian Rockies.
Weather and Climate at Mount Foch
Mount Foch experiences a subarctic climate. This means it has very cold and snowy winters. Temperatures can often drop below -20 degrees Celsius (which is -4 degrees Fahrenheit). When you add in the wind, it can feel even colder, sometimes below -30 degrees Celsius (-22 degrees Fahrenheit).
Summers at Mount Foch are usually mild. If you're planning to visit or climb the mountain, the best time for good weather is typically from June through September. During these months, the temperatures are warmer and there is less snow, making it safer and more enjoyable to explore.
