Jasper Lake (Alberta)
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| Jasper Lake | |
|---|---|
 Jasper Lake and mountains across the shore as seen from the train | |
  Jasper Lake  Jasper Lake | |
| Location | Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada |
| Coordinates | 53°5′N 118°2′W / 53.083°N 118.033°W |
| Primary inflows | Athabasca River |
| Primary outflows | Athabasca River |
| Basin countries | Canada |
| Max. length | 6 mi (9.7 km) |
| Max. width | 1–3 mi (1.6–4.8 km) |
Jasper Lake is in the Rocky Mountains of Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada. It is part of the Athabasca River, where the river broadens out. Its westernmost shore lies about 24 kilometres (15 mi) northeast from the town of Jasper along the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and stretches farther east for about 9.7 km (6 mi).
A distinctive feature of the lake is the Jasper Lake Sand Dunes, the only sand dune ecosystem in the Canadian Rockies.[citation needed]
The dunes were formed at the edge of the lake during the last ice age and have been constantly reshaped by wind and water ever since.[citation needed] Acting as a kind of sieve, the lake removes silt and sand from the river, allowing it to sink to the lake bed. When the water level recedes in the fall, vast sand flats are exposed and dry out, becoming vulnerable to the strong westerly winds that sweep through the lower Athabasca Valley. In winter, these winds blow the sand and silt down the valley, forming two large dune islands near the northwest shore of Jasper Lake.[1] In the lee of the dunes, mature clumps of spruce and balsam poplar have gained a foothold, with colonizing grasses, rose bushes and willows.[2]
Surrounded by mountains
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The lake is surrounded by mountain ranges, many of which can be seen from various parts along the lake. From southeast to southwest:[3]
- Miette Range. Most prominent peaks include Utopia Mountain (2,602 m or 8,537 ft) and Roche Miette (2,316 m or 7,598 ft).
- Jacques Range. Prominent peaks: Cinquefoil Mountain (2,259 m or 7,411 ft), Roche Jacques (2,603 m or 8,540 ft), and Mount Merlin (2,711 m or 8,894 ft).
- Colin Range: Peaks include Mount Colin (2,687 m or 8,816 ft)
Northwest to northeast:
- Victoria Cross Ranges—so named because six of the peaks are named after Canadian recipients of the Victoria Cross.
- De Smet Range. Prominent peaks include: Roche de Smet, (2,539 m or 8,330 ft) and Mount Greenock (2,065 m or 6,775 ft).
- Bosche Range: Mount Aeolus (2,643 m or 8,671 ft) and Roche à Bosche (2,123 m or 6,965 ft)
