Nechako Canyon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nechako Canyon |
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| Grand Canyon of the Nechako | |
 Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 53°36′N 124°56′W / 53.600°N 124.933°W |
| Part of | Chilcotin Plateau |
| Formed by | Nechako River |
The Nechako Canyon, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Nechako, is an amazing natural wonder. It is a deep, narrow valley carved by the Nechako River in the central part of British Columbia, Canada. This canyon is found between Cheslatta Falls and Knewstubb Lake. Knewstubb Lake is located just above the Kenny Dam, which helps form the large Nechako Reservoir.
A special feature of the canyon is Cheslatta Falls. This waterfall is 18 meters (about 59 feet) tall. It's where the Cheslatta River finishes its journey and flows into the Nechako River. Because the Nechako River's water has been moved for other uses, the riverbed inside the canyon is mostly dry. The canyon is carved into old lava rock. It has cool shapes like tall rock walls, cliffs that hang over, and pointy rock towers. This area is kept safe as part of the Nechako Canyon Protected Area, which also includes Cheslatta Falls.
Contents
What is a Canyon?
A canyon is a deep valley with very steep sides. It is often carved by a river over a very long time. Imagine water slowly cutting through rock, like a knife slicing through butter. This process can take millions of years. The river carries away bits of rock and soil, making the valley deeper and wider.
Canyons are found all over the world. They are often in dry areas where the rock is hard. The steep sides of a canyon show the different layers of rock that the river has cut through.
How the Nechako Canyon Formed
The Nechako Canyon was created by the powerful Nechako River. Over many thousands of years, the river slowly wore away the rock. The canyon is carved into a type of rock called a lava plateau. This means the area was once covered by ancient lava flows that cooled and hardened into rock.
The river's steady flow helped to shape the canyon. It created the tall rock walls and other unique formations you can see today. The water kept eroding the rock, making the canyon deeper and deeper.
The River's Flow Changes
Today, the riverbed in the Nechako Canyon is mostly dry. This is because of the Kenny Dam. This dam was built to create the Nechako Reservoir. Most of the Nechako River's water is now sent in a different direction. This water is used to make electricity. So, only a small amount of water, or sometimes none at all, flows through the canyon.
Despite the dry riverbed, the canyon's amazing shapes remain. They show the incredible power of water over time.
Amazing Canyon Features
The Nechako Canyon is full of interesting rock formations. As you look at the canyon, you can see:
- Rock walls: These are tall, steep sides of the canyon. They show the layers of rock that the river has cut through.
- Overhanging cliffs: These are parts of the rock that stick out over the canyon. They look like they are hanging in the air.
- Pinnacles: These are tall, thin rock towers that stand alone. They are often left behind when softer rock around them has worn away.
These features make the Nechako Canyon a beautiful and unique place. They are a natural artwork created by the forces of nature.
Protecting the Canyon
The Nechako Canyon is a very special place. To keep it safe and preserve its natural beauty, it is protected. It is part of the Nechako Canyon Protected Area. This protected area helps to:
- Keep the natural environment safe.
- Protect the unique rock formations.
- Preserve Cheslatta Falls, which is a key part of the canyon.
Protected areas help make sure that natural places can be enjoyed by people for many years to come. They also protect the plants and animals that live there.
