Whirlpool River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Whirlpool River |
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The Whirlpool River from Alberta Highway 93A
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| Country | Canada |
| Province | Alberta |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Athabasca Pass 1,704 m (5,591 ft) 52°23′46″N 118°12′15″W / 52.39611°N 118.20417°W |
| River mouth | Athabasca River 1,121 m (3,678 ft) 52°44′06″N 117°57′15″W / 52.73500°N 117.95417°W |
The Whirlpool River is a short river located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. It is an early tributary of the Athabasca River. This means it's one of the first smaller rivers that flows into the larger Athabasca River.
Journey of the Whirlpool River
The Whirlpool River begins its journey in a place called Athabasca Pass. It collects water from melting ice and snow. This melting water comes from two large areas of ice, known as icefields: the Hooker Icefield and the Mount Brown Icefield.
The river then flows north. As it travels, it collects water from another smaller river, the Middle Whirlpool River. After this, it passes under Alberta Highway 93A. Finally, the Whirlpool River flows into the Athabasca River. This meeting point is south of the town of Jasper. A road called Moab Lake Road runs alongside the Whirlpool River near where it joins the Athabasca River.
How the Whirlpool River Got Its Name
The Whirlpool River was given its name in 1859 by a person named Sir James Hector. He was exploring the area and noticed something special about the river. He saw many "eddies" in the water. An eddy is a small swirl or current in the water that moves in a circle. Because of these swirling waters, he decided to call it the Whirlpool River.
