Mount McPhail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mount McPhail |
|
|---|---|
 Mount McPhail
Location in Alberta
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 2,886 m (9,469 ft) |
| Prominence | 681 m (2,234 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Alberta/British Columbia, Canada |
| Parent range | Elk Range |
| Topo map | NTS 82J/07 |
Mount McPhail is a tall and impressive mountain located in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. It was officially named in 1918. This mountain stands right on the border between two Canadian provinces: British Columbia and Alberta. This border follows a very important natural line called the Continental Divide.
Contents
Discovering Mount McPhail
Mount McPhail is part of a mountain range known as the Elk Range. This range is a section of the larger Park Ranges within the mighty Canadian Rockies. Mountains like McPhail are often part of huge natural areas. These areas are important for wildlife and offer amazing views.
Where is Mount McPhail Located?
Mount McPhail is found in a rugged and wild part of Canada. Its unique position means it's partly in British Columbia and partly in Alberta. The exact spot where the provinces meet is marked by the mountain itself. This makes Mount McPhail a natural landmark.
- Province 1: British Columbia
- Province 2: Alberta
- Country: Canada
How Did Mount McPhail Get Its Name?
Mountains are often named after important people or events. Mount McPhail was named in honor of Norman R. McPhail. He was a person of significance in the area's history. Naming mountains helps to remember people and their contributions. It also gives a unique identity to each peak.
The Continental Divide Explained
The Continental Divide is a very important natural feature. It's like a giant invisible line that runs through North and South America. On one side of the divide, all the rain and melted snow eventually flow towards the Pacific Ocean. On the other side, the water flows towards the Atlantic Ocean or the Arctic Ocean.
- Water Flow: Water on the west side of Mount McPhail flows to the Pacific. Water on the east side flows towards the Atlantic.
- Mountain Role: Mountains like McPhail often form part of this divide. They act as natural barriers that direct water flow.
- Importance: The divide is crucial for understanding river systems and ecosystems across the continent.
The Canadian Rockies Environment
The area around Mount McPhail is part of the Canadian Rockies. This region is famous for its stunning scenery. It has tall peaks, deep valleys, and beautiful forests. Many different types of plants and animals live here.
Wildlife in the Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are home to a wide variety of wildlife. Animals like grizzly bears, black bears, elk, and deer roam these mountains. You might also spot smaller creatures like marmots and pikas. Birds of prey, such as eagles, soar high above the peaks.
- Mammals: Bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, bighorn sheep.
- Birds: Eagles, owls, various songbirds.
- Other Animals: Many small mammals and insects.
Plants of the Mountain Slopes
The types of plants you find on Mount McPhail depend on the elevation. At lower levels, there are dense forests of pine and spruce trees. As you go higher, the trees become smaller and more scattered. Above the tree line, only tough, low-growing plants can survive. These include mosses, lichens, and small wildflowers.
- Lower Elevations: Conifer forests (pine, spruce, fir).
- Higher Elevations: Alpine meadows with hardy plants.
- Tree Line: The elevation where trees stop growing due to harsh conditions.
