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Tonsa
Tonsa from Lower Minnestimma Lake.jpg
Tonsa (center) seen from Larch Valley flanked by Mount Bowlen on left and Mount Perren on right
Highest point
Elevation 3,053 m (10,016 ft)
Prominence 173 m (568 ft)
Parent peak Mount Bowlen (3072 m)
Listing Mountains of Alberta
Mountains of British Columbia
Geography
Tonsa is located in Alberta
Tonsa
Tonsa
Location in Alberta
Tonsa is located in British Columbia
Tonsa
Tonsa
Location in British Columbia
Location Alberta / British Columbia
Parent range Bow Range
Canadian Rockies
Topo map NTS 82N/08

Tonsa, also known as Tonsa Peak, is a tall mountain that stands 3,053 meters (about 10,016 feet) high. It is located right on the border between Alberta and British Columbia in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. This mountain is part of the Continental Divide, which is like a giant natural line that separates which way water flows across North America. Water on one side flows to the Pacific Ocean, and water on the other side flows to the Atlantic Ocean.

Tonsa is a stunning part of the scenery around Moraine Lake. This lake is famous for its bright blue water and is found in the Valley of the Ten Peaks within Banff National Park. The mountain got its name in 1894 from Samuel E.S. Allen. He chose the name "Tonsa" because it comes from the Stoney Indian word for the number four.


About Tonsa Mountain

Tonsa is a significant peak in the Bow Range, a part of the larger Canadian Rockies. It's a popular spot for hikers and climbers who want to explore the amazing natural beauty of the area. The mountain offers incredible views of the surrounding valleys and other peaks.

How Tonsa Was Formed

Like many other mountains in Banff National Park, Tonsa is made up of sedimentary rock. This type of rock is formed over millions of years from layers of sand, mud, and tiny bits of ancient sea creatures that settle at the bottom of ancient seas.

  • Ancient Seas: Long, long ago, this area was covered by shallow seas.
  • Layers of Sediment: Over time, layers of sediment piled up and were pressed together, turning into rock. This happened during periods from the Precambrian era all the way to the Jurassic period.
  • Mountain Building: Much later, during a huge event called the Laramide orogeny, powerful forces deep within the Earth pushed these rock layers up. Imagine pushing a rug from both ends – it wrinkles and folds. That's kind of what happened to the Earth's crust, creating mountains like Tonsa. These older rocks were pushed up and even over younger rocks.

Tonsa's Climate

Tonsa is located in a subarctic climate zone. This means it has very cold, snowy winters and mild, cool summers.

  • Winter Weather: In winter, temperatures can drop below −20 °C (which is −4 °F). With the wind blowing, it can feel even colder, sometimes below −30 °C (−22 °F).
  • Water Flow: The snow and ice that melt from Tonsa's slopes become water. This water flows in two main directions because of the Continental Divide.
    • Water on the east side drains into streams that eventually join the Bow River.
    • Water on the west side flows into streams that lead to the Vermilion River.
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