Rocky Mountain High

The Canadian Rockies sit at the center of the triple continental divide, where water flows into either the Pacific, Atlantic, or Arctic Oceans. These mountains serve as a crucial water source for large portions of North America.

Peyto Lake, Banff National Park

The views in this region, particularly in Banff and Jasper national parks are stunning. Large glaciers such as the Athabasca Glacier grind up rock with their sheer weight. This creates "rock flour" which is washed by melt waters into the region's many lakes and streams. Rock flour scatters higher wavelengths of light while absorbing lower ones, thus resulting in the brilliant blues and greens found in places like Lake Louise, Lake, Moraine, and Peyto Lake.

Elk (Wapiti) at Jasper National Park

A Mountain Goat in Jasper National Park

The Canadian Rockies have 3 distinct Ecoregions: Montane Forests, Subalpine, and Alpine. The majority of wildlife, including species like Elk and White tailed deer, live in the Montane region. The Subalpine region is home to some species of Bear, Marmots, and Pikas. The Alpine region is the highest of the three in terms of elevation and has less wildlife compared to the other two regions. It is mostly inhabited by Bighorn Sheep and mountain goats.

Bighorn Sheep in Banff National Park

A Marmot in Banff National Park

Unfortunately in 2024 Jasper National Park suffered a devastating wildfire. While the fire was believed to have been caused by lightning it was exacerbated by strong winds and incredibly dry conditions. Warmer air, a phenomenon increasingly common with the advent of global warming, holds more water. This decreases the frequency of rains and dries out foliage causing the forest to become a tinderbox waiting to burst into flames. Even today the effects of the wildfire are still visible as there are vast swaths of Jasper national park adorned with nothing but dead trees and empty branches.

Wildfire's have been drastically increasing in frequency due to the impacts of climate change. Warmer temperatures allow air to hold more water. This can prolong periods of drought which dries out foliage. Large amounts of dry foliage acts as a tinderbox waiting to be lit.

Climate change has also been damaging the many glaciers found in the Rocky Mountains. Glaciers like the Athabasca are receding at alarming rates. Measurements indicate that the Athabasca has receded 600 meters since 1960 and thinned by an average of 60 meters. The melt waters of these glaciers feeds the rivers of North America and these rivers feed agriculture and civilization. Around 68% of our freshwater is stored in glaciers, if we lose this it could be catastrophic. That is why it is so important to protect this region and all of nature. Without a healthy, balanced, ecosystem and environment we will not be able to survive.