Monument Falls

Monument Falls is a somewhat hidden waterfall located along one of the inlet streams feeding Glacier National Park's Avalanche Lake. The Falls drop about 170 feet along a low cliff band which lies well below the basin's headwall where several other, significantly larger waterfalls occur. Because the falls are situated low in the valley, the majority of the falls can't be seen from the end of the Avalanche Lake trail and it remains unclear whether it would be possible to get close to the bottom of the falls. We had previously referred to the significantly taller waterfall along this same stream - a short distance further upstream - as Monument Falls. However, in examining topographic and place name data, it seems fairly clear that the name Monument Falls never applied to the larger falls upstream, and that the two falls are distinct and separate enough that they should not be grouped together as a single entry.In re-examining our data on the waterfalls in Montana we've come to the conclusion that the name Monument Falls likely applies specifically to the lowermost falls along the northernmost stream which originates from the Sperry Glacier - largely due to the fact that when the Sperry Glacier was at its lowest extent it drained primarily down the northern gully along the headwall of the valley, and this would have been the stream seen as the prominent inflow to Avalanche Lake. Since the glacier has retreated, about equal amounts of water now drain down two different channels to Avalanche Lake instead. Given that none of the larger waterfalls along the headwall seem to have ever been officially recognized by name, it seemed appropriate to ensure the historical precedent was recognized as accurately as possible.