The ridge was formed thousands of years ago as the glaciers that once covered Canada retreated.
The area was one of the few parts of Canada to not be overrun by the glaciers during the last ice age.
[citation needed] Because of its height, it can be especially windy on the plateau - especially when the Chinook blows in.
Two summer snowfalls of note in recent years are August 21–23, 1992 (up to three feet), and July 15, 1999 (at least one foot).
The rolling grasslands provide habitat for mule deer, pronghorn, white-tailed deer, yellow-bellied marmot and birds of prey such as ferruginous hawk, golden eagle and prairie falcon.