Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada

Hidden depths. Ice on Abraham Lake in Alberta, Canada

Dawn’s first light reflects off the frozen surface of Abraham Lake, framed by the peaks of the Rocky Mountains. In winter, this picturesque lake in Alberta is famous for its frozen methane bubbles, trapped beneath the ice. Strong winds keep the ice largely clear of snow, revealing the bubbles below throughout the winter. As spring arrives and the ice thaws, the trapped gas can escape into the atmosphere.

Despite its natural beauty, the lake is a man-made reservoir, created in 1972 when the Bighorn Dam was built on the North Saskatchewan River. Its icy winter landscapes and turquoise waters in summer make it a popular photography location throughout the year.