Muddywater River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Muddywater River |
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Country | Canada |
Province | Alberta |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Morkill Pass 1,648 m (5,407 ft) 53°40′54″N 119°46′09″W / 53.68167°N 119.76917°W |
River mouth | Smoky River 1,048 m (3,438 ft) 53°46′34″N 119°20′56″W / 53.77611°N 119.34889°W |
The Muddywater River is a river in Alberta, Canada. It is a smaller river that flows into a larger one, which is called a tributary. The Muddywater River is an early tributary of the Smoky River.
Contents
Where the River Begins
The Muddywater River starts high up in the Canadian Rockies. This is a huge mountain range in western North America. The river forms inside Willmore Wilderness Park. This park is a wild, protected area in Alberta. It is located just north of Jasper National Park.
Starting at Morkill Pass
The Muddywater River begins at a place called Morkill Pass. This pass is special because it sits on the Continental Divide. The Continental Divide is like a giant line across North America. It separates which way rivers flow. Rivers on one side flow to the Pacific Ocean. Rivers on the other side flow to the Atlantic or Arctic oceans. At Morkill Pass, the divide separates Alberta and British Columbia.
The River's Journey
From its start, the Muddywater River flows generally north and then west. As it travels, it collects water from several mountains. These include Mount Forgent, Mount Sprague, and Llama Mountain. The water from melting snow and rain on these mountains joins the river.
Flowing into the Smoky River
The Muddywater River continues its journey until it reaches the Smoky River. It joins the Smoky River near the town of Grande Cache, Alberta. The river's name, Muddywater, is very descriptive. It means the water often looks muddy, especially after rain or when snow melts. This is common for rivers that carry a lot of soil and sediment.