Climate change causing lakes in Canadian Rockies to lose their famous turquoise lustre, says ecologist

New research from the University of Alberta says the Canadian Rockies may be losing one of their most iconic features — those brilliant turquoise alpine lakes.

"This summer the heat domes in Western Canada really have accelerated the rate of melting of the glaciers in the … Rockies," said professor of aquatic ecology Rolf Vinebrooke on CBC Radio's Daybreak South Tuesday.

Vinebrook explained that the lakes contain glacial flour, a sediment from rocks that slowly makes its way into the water through erosion. But as the glaciers melt at faster rates than ever before, less of the meltwater contains the rock flour, which intercepts sunlight and gives the lakes their milky turquoise luster. 

He said this could also cause the water quality to deteriorate and harm unique species that live in the lakes.

"I don't think it's really been in peoples' attention until this summer when it really was something profound," Vinebrooke noted, referring to the noticeable lack of turquoise in the water.

Vinebrook said nitrogen-rich rainfall from recent air pollution, along with notable amounts of phosphorus found in wildfire ash have also contributed to turning the water green, rather than blue, as these chemicals encourage plant growth. 

The research comes after a 2020 study that found similar results, particularly around Zigadenus Lake, northeast of Lake Louise.