Ice Cave in Fish Creek Park EarthCache
Hidden : 8/9/2007
Difficulty:
1 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Posted coords are for a viewing area from which you can study a small “ice cave” in Fish Creek Provincial Park. The earthcache is within walking distance from the Bow Valley Ranch Visitor Centre & parking area off the south end of Bow Bottom Trail S.E.

Look at the steep slope just behind the wooden fence surrounding the viewing area. Just above the small cave, you should notice an approx 1m thick layer that looks a little like concrete.
The gravel in the “concrete” layer was bonded together by calcium carbonate, deposited by spring water running through gravel. The calcium carbonate was picked up in the higher sediment layers. Here’s a sneak peak at a section of the ice cave:


The concrete layer is solid enough that it forms a roof over a small cave that has eroded out from underneath. As you face the cave, you will notice a section on the right that looks like it may have fallen away from the roof and settled lower than the rest of the concrete layer.
Moisture collects in this cave and stays frozen well into the spring, which is why this feature is locally known as an “ice cave.” There are a few more caves farther along the bank, but the stream bank is unstable in this area, so PLEASE limit your viewing to the ice cave at the posted coordinates.
After you finish studying the ice cave, turn around and you will enjoy scenery like this:

Looking upstream from the viewing area:

To log this cache, please complete the following:
  1. E-mail the cache owner (do not post) your description of the colour, shape and approximate exposed dimensions of the largest piece of gravel you can spot in the face of the concrete layer.
  2. As proof of visit, e-mail the cache owner (do not post) the number of benches installed in the viewing area.
  3. In your online log, feel free to describe your visit to the Fish Creek Park and to upload your best digital photo(s) from your visit but please ensure any photos do NOT show the details necessary to log this cache.


Click here to send e-mail.

SOURCE: Calgary’s Natural Parks – Yours to Explore by Jim Foley, copyright 2006 Calgary Field Naturalists’ Society

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