Moving Mountains

Water reshapes mountains as the grind of water rippling over rock wears them away bit by bit, and run-off from melting snow during May and June creates a massive force capable of carrying huge boulders downstream. In Shell Creek, large granite rocks and boulders form deep pools that provide critical resting and hiding cover for rainbow and brook trout. At waterfalls, spray and splash zones create an excellent environment for ferns, mosses, and liverworts, which provide cover for small creatures, food for aquatic animals, and sites for laying eggs. Shell Falls has an average flow of 3,600 gallons per second, enough each second for 144 showers, 1,200 toilet flushes, 48 baths, or 360 sinks of dishes.

Wyoming · United States