White River (British Columbia) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids White River |
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Country | Canada |
Province | British Columbia |
Physical characteristics | |
Main source | Sylvan Pass Height of the Rockies Provincial Park 2,360 m (7,740 ft) 50°31′05″N 115°13′40″W / 50.51806°N 115.22778°W |
River mouth | Kootenay River 25 kilometres (16 mi) northeast of Canal Flats 915 m (3,002 ft) 50°21′10″N 115°37′32″W / 50.35278°N 115.62556°W |
Length | 65 km (40 mi) |
Basin features | |
Basin size | 987 km2 (381 sq mi) |
The White River is an important river in southeastern British Columbia, Canada. It flows into the Kootenay River. This river is about 65 kilometers (40 miles) long. It drains a quiet area of the Canadian Rockies mountains. This area is east of a village called Canal Flats.
About the White River
The White River is a very natural and wild river. It is known for being fast-flowing and powerful. It gets its water from melting glaciers.
Where it Starts and Flows
The White River begins high up at Sylvan Pass. This is a steep, icy area in Height of the Rockies Provincial Park. It starts in a basin formed by glaciers.
The river first flows south through a deep valley. This valley is along the Park Ranges mountains. Then, it turns southwest and meets another stream called the North Fork. After that, the river makes a big curve to the northwest. It goes around the south side of Flett Peak. It also passes by Whiteswan Lake Provincial Park. Finally, it flows generally north-northwest. It empties into the Kootenay River on its left bank.
A Wild and Natural River
The White River is a large and steep river. It flows very quickly. Because it comes from glaciers, its water can be very cold. Near where it joins the Kootenay River, it can be up to 60 meters (200 feet) wide.
The area that the river drains is about 987 square kilometers (381 square miles). This whole area is almost entirely natural forest. There are no bridges crossing the river. You won't find any dams or diversions that change its flow. This makes the White River a truly wild and untouched place.