Moraine Lake
| Moraine Lake | ||
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| Geographical location | Alberta , Canada | |
| Drain | Moraine Creek → Bow River | |
| Location close to the shore | Banff | |
| Data | ||
| Coordinates | 51 ° 19 '14 " N , 116 ° 11' 7" W | |
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| Altitude above sea level | 1884 m | |
| surface | 50 ha | |
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The Moraine Lake (also Lake Moraine , German "Moränensee") is a lake fed by glaciers in Banff National Park in Alberta , Canada . It is located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks , a valley surrounded by ten mountain peaks of the Wenkchemna Range , at an altitude of 1,884 m above sea level .
The lake reaches its highest water level after the snowmelt towards the end of June. Its milky, emerald green color is due to the particles of glacier wear that reflect the light. Unlike most glacial lakes, which are dammed by terminal moraines , Moraine Lake - contrary to its name - was created by the barrier of a huge rock fall.
The area around the lake is accessible to tourists with various hiking trails. The view of the lake from the so-called Rockpile is one of the most frequently photographed subjects in Canada, which is also shown on the Canadian 20-dollar bill of the Scenes of Canada Series from 1969.
