North Saskatchewan River
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| North Saskatchewan River | |
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| Origin | Saskatchewan Glacier |
| Mouth | Saskatchewan River Forks |
| Basin countries |  Canada |
| Length | 1,287 km (800 mi) |
| Source elevation | 2,080 m (6,824 ft) |
| Mouth elevation | 380 m (1,247 ft) |
| Avg. discharge | 245 m³/s |
| Basin area | 122,800 km² (47,413.3 sq mi) |
The North Saskatchewan River is a glacier-fed river flowing east from the Canadian Rockies to central Saskatchewan. It is one of two major rivers that join to make up the Saskatchewan River.
The Saskatchewan River system is the largest in western Canada, including most of southern Alberta and southern Saskatchewan, and crossing into central Manitoba. [1]
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[edit] History
The North Saskatchewan has been designated a Canadian Heritage River in 1989, for its importance in opening up western Canada. [2] The long west-east course facilitated travel, and was used for exploration, trade, and settlement from 1807 (when the first fur traders crossed the region) to the beginning of the 20th century. The upper course, flowing through Banff National Park, has a valued natural heritage.
Edmonton's North Saskatchewan River valley parks system is the largest system of urban parks in Canada, and covers both sides of the river valley's course through Edmonton.
The Bridge River Ash is in the vicinity of the North Saskarchewan River, which was erupted from Mount Meager in southwestern British Columbia about 2350 years ago.
[edit] Course
North Saskatchewan river has a length of 1,287 km (800 mi), and a drainage area of 122,800 km².[3] At its end point at Saskatchewan River Forks it has a mean discharge of 245 m³/s. The yearly discharge at the Alberta/Saskatchewan border is more than 7 billion m³.<s