Wapta Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wapta Lake |
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 Wapta Lake
Location in British Columbia
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| Location | British Columbia |
| Coordinates | 51°26′21″N 116°21′00″W / 51.43917°N 116.35000°W |
| Type | Glacial |
| Primary inflows | Cataract Brook, Blue Creek |
| Primary outflows | Kicking Horse River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 740 m (2,430 ft) |
| Max. width | 340 m (1,120 ft) |
| Surface area | 0.2 km2 (0.077 sq mi) |
| Surface elevation | 1,600 m (5,200 ft) |
Wapta Lake is a beautiful lake located in Yoho National Park in the amazing Canadian Rockies. You can find it in eastern British Columbia, Canada. This lake is special because it's a glacial lake, which means it was formed by glaciers long ago.
Wapta Lake gets its water from two streams called Cataract Brook and Blue Creek. These streams flow into the lake within Yoho National Park. The lake is also the starting point, or source, of the Kicking Horse River. This river is well-known in the area.
If you travel near Wapta Lake, you'll notice some important routes. The Trans-Canada Highway runs along the north side of the lake. On the south side, the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks follow the shore. This makes the lake easy to see for travelers.
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Discovering Wapta Lake
Wapta Lake is a cool place to learn about nature and geography. It's not just a pretty lake; it plays an important role in the local environment. Its clear, cold waters are a reminder of the powerful glaciers that shaped this land.
What is a Glacial Lake?
A glacial lake is a lake that was formed by the movement of huge sheets of ice called glaciers. As glaciers slowly move, they carve out valleys and depressions in the land. When these glaciers melt, the water fills these hollows, creating lakes. Wapta Lake is a great example of this natural process. Its water often has a unique turquoise color due to tiny rock particles, called "rock flour," suspended in it. These particles come from the grinding action of the glaciers.
Where is Wapta Lake Located?
Wapta Lake is nestled within Yoho National Park. This park is part of the larger Canadian Rockies mountain range. The Canadian Rockies are famous for their tall peaks, deep valleys, and stunning natural beauty. Yoho National Park is a protected area, meaning its natural features are preserved for everyone to enjoy. It's a popular spot for hiking, sightseeing, and exploring the outdoors.
The Kicking Horse River's Start
The Kicking Horse River is a significant river in British Columbia. It begins its journey right at Wapta Lake. From the lake, the river flows through Yoho National Park and eventually joins other larger rivers. The Kicking Horse River is known for its exciting rapids, which are popular for whitewater rafting. Its name comes from an incident in 1858 when a member of an expedition was kicked by his horse near the river.
Traveling Near the Lake
Wapta Lake is easy to access because of the major transportation routes nearby. The Trans-Canada Highway is a very important road that connects different parts of Canada. The Canadian Pacific Railway is also a historic railway line that played a big role in connecting Canada from coast to coast. Both of these routes offer amazing views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
