Frosty Mountain

     As moisture laden clouds disperse from the high peaks we sometimes see hoar frost covered mountains such as this beauty along the Icefields Parkway. I enjoy this scenic drive no matter which season we do it in. Each time reveals different characteristics of this rugged landscape.

     Especially in winter we do have to be aware of road safety issues. This road lies in a trench of the rocky mountains and can get tremendous amounts of snow at one time. I try to monitor the weather predictions ahead of time. A vehicle has to be in good condition, fueled up and have good winter tires to begin. The highway can be bare and dry but shady places or on hills can suddenly become ice covered.

Icefields Parkway

     I am amazed at what some visitors to this area do for a pastime. Skiing or snowshoeing I can see but ice climbing? Certainly not for me but amazing to see.

Beautiful Ice Fall

Ice Climbers.

      I have always found ice to be very brittle so I would not be trusting of metal pegs pounded into ice a few hundred feet above firm ground. Interesting to watch for sure.

     I stand in amazement at the wonders of the Columbia Icefield itself though. It is a beautiful and rugged time machine demonstrating Nature's power and fragility. On this trip a few bighorn sheep graze and nibble at rough plants that have managed to grow on these rocky heights. The height of land at the top of the icefields parkway is the border between Jasper and Banff National Parks.

Rocky Mountain Sheep Grazing at Columbia Icefields

     Less than an hour drive from the top of the icefields, we turn east down the David Thompson Highway toward Kootenay Plains. Here, we leave Banff National Park. Amazingly, there is almost no snow here. It is a natural area that receives little snow each winter that borders on the top of the North Saskatchewan River draining some of the Icefields area. It has been dammed to form Abraham Lake, Alberta's longest man made lake. This area has been used by native people for thousands of years for wintering and hunting are due to its milder climate. It is also a natural grazing region for wildlife to over winter.

Methane Bubbles Trapped in the Ice on Abraham Lake

     I have driven by this lake numerous times over the past several years but never stopped to look at the famous bubbles. Today I gingerly made my way down to the lake to take a look. Good thing for ice cleats on my boots or the wind would have blown me to the far end of the dam. These picks also helped get down to the lake from the steep shoreline. As the dam is drained over the winter, the ice sinks too so caution is advised while wandering around this area. It is beautiful for sure.
   
     Each season should be visited in Jasper, Banff, the Icefield Parkway and the David Thompson Highway regions. It is surely one of Alberta's outdoor wilderness treasures.