"The High Level Bridge, 
Lethbridge Alberta"

The Canadian Pacific Railway "High Level Bridge" is a world renowned feat of engineering that has survived continuous heavy freight traffic to stand the test of time. Completed by 1909, as the longest and highest bridge of its type in history, it was once described as one of the "Wonders of the World". This viaduct spans the Nature Reserve and recreational areas of "Indian Battle Park"; then crosses the Oldman River to successfully connect the scenic expanse of the surrounding coulees. This west facing depiction emphasizes the horizontal aspect of the bridge by portraying a common weather phenomenon called a "Chinook Arch" unique to Southwestern Alberta. As this warm wind flows eastward from the Rocky Mountains, it appears to lift the edge of the cloud cover blanketing the foothills causing the well-known "arch" to appear with a clear mountain view beyond. In the winter, a sudden Chinook wind can raise the temperature over 25° C within an hour.