Bridal Veil Falls is a 607-foot tall waterfall in the south end of Provo Canyon, Utah. An aerial tramway service to the top of the falls was built in 1967 and the small, six-passenger tramway functioned as a recreational attraction until an avalanche destroyed the tram in early 1996. When the tramway was in operation prior to the 1996 avalanche, it was heralded as the WORLD'S STEEPEST AERIAL TRAMWAY, although that claim is difficult to ascertain. The magnificent falls are just four miles up the Provo Canyon. The falls are a favorite with visitors and locals alike. They can be seen from a scenic highway pullout or by taking an exit to where the base of the falls meets the Provo River. There is a small, cold swimming hole, and if you look carefully, you will find a dirt path that will take you up the mountain a bit for a closer view of the falls. The surrounding area is great for summer hiking and several trailheads begin at the falls. Bridal Veil falls is not only a summer attraction. In the winter, an icefall just to the right of the falls attracts experienced ice climbers. The icefall has been aptly named the Stairway to Heaven. The falls were a feature point along the route of the Heber Creeper tourist train until the train discontinued its service past the falls. The train tracks in front of the falls were removed and converted into a recreational trail. Now The falls and a small park just west of the falls (Bridal Veil Park) can also be accessed via U.S. Highway 189.
What is a Waterfall?
Simply put, a waterfall is a watercourse -- stream, river, creek -- that drops vertically. In other words, it flows over the edge of a cliff or down a slope. Waterfall lovers from around the world argue about what makes a waterfall. The general consensus is that a drop of at least 3 metres (approximately 10 feet) or a slope of at least 30 degrees creates a waterfall. Realistically it is up to the eye of the waterfall lover.
Types of waterfalls are based on how the water falls or passes through it's course, how much water is flowing, the surface beneath it and the geological processes that created it (geomorphology). Together these all form a waterfall's unique shape, it's fingerprint so to speak. There are many different types of waterfalls, though most are comprised of more than one distinct type. Here are a few of the more common:
Cascade -- Cascade is a commonly used term when referring to waterfalls and rightly so. The term "cascade" comes from the Italian word "cascada" which actually means "waterfall". A cascade type waterfall is defined by the surface beneath it. It is one of the most common as the surface beneath it is irregular and encompasses the falls not classified elsewhere. It is generally water that flows down in small steps or stages. Multi-Cascading is more than one cascade in a row.
Cataract -- Another word for waterfall but usually one that is large, very powerful and rushes down with force.
Ledge -- A geological formation that influences the shape of a waterfall. It is a cliff that is relatively flat with some width at the top and is vertical or almost vertical. Angel Falls and Niagara Falls are great examples of a ledge. The following three shapes/types often result from a Ledge.
Block/Sheet -- Water from a wide river or stream drops over a ledge forming what appears to be a "sheet" of water. Ideally, it is not broken into segments at high water and it is observably wider than tall.
Classical -- Similar to Block, water drops over a ledge but is close to equal in width and height.
Curtain -- Similar to Block and Classical, water drops over a ledge but is taller than wide but not a Ribbon.
Overhanging Ledge -- Another geological formation that influences the shape of a waterfall. It is a cliff that the water has eroded under it causing an obvious overhang resulting in the water free falling to the surface below. The following two shapes/types often result from an Overhanging Ledge.
Plunge/Vertical -- Water descends vertically without contact with the surface.
Punchbowl -- Water falls through a constricted area and descends down into a pool of water. The water "punches" through and falls into a "bowl".
Chute -- A violent section of water that is forced through a narrow passage due to cliff walls or large rocks. Depending on the descent angle, they may be classified as rapids not a waterfall. Very common in canyons where the water is wall-to-wall.
Fan -- Water falls through a relatively narrow crest and spreads out and becomes wider as it descends.
Horsetail -- Water descends down remaining in contact with the surface most of the time.
Parallel/Twin -- Parallel falls happen when falls are side-by-side and fall similar to each other. There can be two or more falls and can be from the same watercourse (also see Segmented falls) or from more than one watercourse. Twin falls are also side-by-side but do not have to be similar in type. Triple and more falls exist as well.
Ribbon -- Water descends in a narrow strip significantly taller than it is wide.
Scree/Talus -- Water flowing over a chaotic mix of rock debris on a slope usually found at the base of a cliff or steep incline. Scree is usually the rocks that are smaller than a softball and talus is larger than a softball. Some people do not consider these to be waterfalls; however, if the slope is at least 30 degrees then it fits the above criteria.
Segmented -- Pieces of land segment the river (same watercourse) causing the water to fall in sections. Not to be mistaken with different watercourses forming different waterfalls side-by-side as in Parallel/Twin falls.
Slide -- Water glides over a single slab of rock maintaining smooth continuous contact.
Slot/Keyhole -- Water pushes through a narrow area before falling. A keyhole is a special slot as it has a rounded part at the bottom of the slot resembling the old fashioned keyholes. Some times the water has forced (eroded) out a part of the rock causing an actual hole water falls from.
Tiered/Staircase/Multi-Stepped -- Separate waterfalls falling consecutively and in close proximity so generally they can be seen together. Any type of falls can be tiered.
Veil -- Water falls over rocks (usually large rocks) creating a thin layer of water that just barely covers it's surface.
The listed coordinates should bring you to the base of the falls. In order to fulfill the requirements of this Earthcache you need to:
- (optional) Include a photo in your online log of you and/or your party with Bridal Veil Falls in the background.
Also,
- 1. Email me what type of waterfall you believe this waterfall represents. Provide evidence to support your answer. (We will be fair and balanced in our judging.)
- 2. Email us the letters in the concrete at the base of the sign at the coordinates.
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