Medicine Lake

The lake (not actually, read below) is barely visible between the impressive geology around it. Sadly a recent wildfire's scar can be seen across the river along the road to Maligne Lake.

 

"Medicine Lake is a geologic anomaly in the sense that it is not actually a lake but rather an area in which the Maligne River (flowing from Maligne Lake into the Athabasca River) backs up and suddenly disappears underground as a losing stream. During the summer months during intensified meltwater runoff the lake fills to levels which fluctuate over time and with the runoff events. Much like a bathtub that is filled too fast for it to drain, it becomes laden with water (lake) until it can slowly drain as the tap flow (runoff) is reduced (river). The underground system is extensive and during the 1970s researchers used a biodegradable dye to determine the underground river's extent. The dye showed up in many of the lakes and rivers in the area to the point where it became clear that the underground system was one of the most extensive in the world."

Wikipedia

 

Fascinating country in so many ways.

 

Have a wonderful week!

 

 

Done