So this is what I hear. That because if some very odd geology this spring runs for 15-20 minutes then almost like you turned off the spigot stops for 15-20 minutes then restarts again for another round. A little research later on reveals that this is one of only a couple places in the world with a cold water, intermittent spring. Well this I gotta see!!
Getting to the spring in late July is beautiful. All sunshine, bubbly creek, flowers and butterflies. A five mile drive and a mile or so hike and you're there. But it turns out this intermittent thing has a seasonality to it and we're just a touch early. Well that's OK. It's a beautiful area, lovely day.... Hey, what is that? There's some big thing covering part of the creek and it's got branches and other debris on top. Wait... that's snow... in July. That's a bridge of snow that crosses the creek. And on the uphill side it's at least 30 feet tall!!!! Unreal!!
This spring is located in a steep sided canyon that rarely gets any sun. The snow that falls here apparently slides down the walls and accumulates at a pinch point. It compresses and becomes more like ice than snow. Dust and tree debris cover the top insulating it and slowing melting from the top. And voila.... ice bridge!!
The path to the head of the spring leads on top of this bridge so on the way up and down you can pelt all your friends with snowballs, ....in July.
Got to climb further up the canyon and got some pretty interesting photos. The spring water was delicious and the chance to hang out with the fam and enjoy this beautifulI canyon was awesome. Wish we'd been able to see the spring do it's thing but the chance to see this ginormous ice bridge made up for any dissatisfaction. read more