NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD MOUNTAIN PASSEStrn.trains.com/~/media/files/pdf/trains-grade-profiles.pdf · Pacific), Canadian Pacific, BNSF Railway (operating the former

NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD MOUNTAIN PASSES

Western Mountain Grade Profiles

Doug Welsh, Canadian Pacific Railway, retired

Copyright 2011 Kalmbach Publishing Co., magazine

The following grade profiles of the most northerly transconti-nental North American railroads were prepared for a day-long

presentation during the annual meeting of the Lexington Group in Transportation History, held in Calgary from September 29 to Oc-tober 2, 2010.

The original six railroads, in chronological sequence of last spikes, were Northern Pacific, Canadian Pacific, Great Northern, Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific, Grand Trunk Pacific, and Canadian Northern. Their successors in modern-day operations are Montana Rail Link (operating most of the former Northern Pacific), Canadian Pacific, BNSF Railway (operating the former Great Northern and the Stampede Pass route of Northern Pacific), and Canadian National (operating the former Grand Trunk Pacific and Canadian Northern). There are no contemporary operations of the majority of the Milwaukee Road’s western lines.

Information for all six historic railroads was displayed in a uni-form format. Detailed profile data was collected from many sourc-es, some of it pertaining to routes abandoned more than 100 years ago. The profile data was entered into a spreadsheet program from which graphical representations could be prepared. These were passed to Trains Magazine which generously gave their time to pre-pare illustrator-quality profile charts.

Because most of the northern transcontinental railroads have ex-amples of 2.2 percent grades, the first set of profiles attempt to trace a historic link to the Baltimore and Ohio’s original route through the Allegheny Mountains (now part of CSX Transportation). This

too is supported by spreadsheet analysis and Trains Magazine charting. The connection between the Baltimore and Ohio and the northern transcontinental railroads was explored more fully in the September 2011 issue of Trains magazine, for which some of these grade profiles were reproduced.

Having the dozens of profiles in a common spreadsheet format facilitated comparisons. Both intra-railway and inter-railway mountain pass profile comparisons were included.

All 58 Trains Magazine-prepared charts utilized in the confer-ence are reproduced here.

The broad groupings are B&O background, NP, CP, GN, MILW, GTP/CNo, and inter-railway comparisons.

Finally, a few more observations about this fascinating exercise: Selection of endpoints for each grade is arbitrary. The general rule was where the gradient dropped consistently below 1%, but there are exceptions. This affects the values shown for Approximate Total Rise + Fall. Profile information for the following have not yet been located, and their charting is omitted or incomplete: NP Mullan Pass – temporary surface route; CP Rogers Pass – detailed profile data of the eastern and western approaches to the summit of the original surface route; MILW Pipestone and Snoqualmie passes – temporary surface routes.

In closing, your understanding is sought for the inevitable errors that creep into an analysis of this scope. Enjoy!

Doug Welsh, Canadian Pacific Railway, retired

Introduction

BALTIMORE AND OHIO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Seventeen Mile Grade (Allegheny Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Cranberry, Cheat River, and Newburg grades (Allegheny Mountains). . 5

NORTHERN PACIFIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Bozeman Pass (Belt Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Mullan Pass (Rocky Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Homestake Pass (Rocky Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Evaro Hill (Coriacan Defile) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Stampede Pass (Cascade Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Current mountain grades compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CANADIAN PACIFIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Kicking Horse Pass (Rocky Mountains). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Rogers Pass (Selkirk Range). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Eagle Pass (Gold Range). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36Notch Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Current mountain grades compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

GREAT NORTHERN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Marias Pass (Rocky Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Stevens Pass (Cascade Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41Current mountain grades compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST . PAUL & PACIFIC . . . . . . . . . . .49

Loweth Pass (Belt Mountains). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50Pipestone Pass (Rocky Mountains). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51St. Paul Pass (Bitterroot Mountains). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52Saddle Mountains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Snoqualmie Pass (Cascade Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54Current mountain grades compared . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

GRAND TRUNK PACIFIC/CANADIAN NORTHERN (CN) . . .56

Yellowhead Pass (Rocky Mountains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57Albreda Summit (Columbia/Thompson drainage divide) . . . . . . . . . . . 58Tete Jaune Cutoff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

INTER-RAILROAD COMPARISONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60

Crossings of the Great Divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Crossings of the Cascades, Selkirks, and Columbia/Thompson drainage

divide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62Abandoned surface routes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Abandoned surface routes and first Cascade Tunnel route . . . . . . . . . . . 64B&O Seventeen Mile Grade vs. NP Mullan Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

CONTENTSGrade Profiles

Northern Transcontinental Railroad Mountain Passes Page 1

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad


Summit 2,628 feetStationsTunnels

Altamon

t

Swan

ton

Strec

ker

Strecker Safety Spur, 12%

Bond Safety Spur, 12%

Bond

Big Cu

rve

Blooming

ton

WVA Ce

ntral

Jct

BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CUMBERLAND DIVISION, 17-MILE GRADE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1851CSXT mileage

204206208210212214216218220222224226750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

Hitchcock Tunnel399 feet

Everett Tunneldaylighted 1911

Avg 2.055%,max 2.69%


BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CUMBERLAND DIVISION, 17-MILE GRADE

Alta

mon

t

WVA

Cen

tral

Jct

Elev

atio

n

CSXT mileage

2.2%

Grad

ient

(per

cent

)

17-Mile Grade

206210215220224.03500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

206210215220-2

-1

0

1

2

3

224.03


10.96 miles averaging 116.17 feet/mile (2.200%)

BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CUMBERLAND DIVISION, 17-MILE GRADE GRADIENTS

2.2%

CSXT mileage204206208210212214216218220222224226

-2

-1.5

-1

-0.5

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3



Independence

Newburg

(Austen)

Murray Tunneldaylighted 1911

Rodemer Tunneldaylighted 1911

Cranberry Gradeavg 2.148%, max 2.5%

Cheat River Gradeavg 2.024%, max 2.45%

Newburg Gradeavg 2.021%, max 2.18%

McGuire Tunneldaylighted 1911

Second Kingwood Tunnel1919, 4,202 feet

West End

Tunnelton

Blaser

Rowlesburg

Cheat River bridge

MK Tower

McMillan

Rodemer

(Salt Lick)

Terra Alta

BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CRANBERRY/CHEAT RIVER/NEWBURG GRADES

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1852CSXT mileage

1,000

2,750

240245250255260265270

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500


BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CRANBERRY/CHEAT RIVER/NEWBURG GRADES

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

245 242.19250255260265

Elev

atio

n

Inde

pend

ence

Tera

Alta

245 242.19250255CSXT mileage

260265268.57

-2

-1

1

0

2

2.2%

Grad

ient

(per

cent

)

Cranberry Grade

Cheat River GradeNewburg Grade


NewburgGrade

Cheat RiverGrade

CranberryGrade

BALTIMORE AND OHIO RAILROADALLEGHENY MOUNTAINS, CRANBERRY/CHEAT RIVER/NEWBURG GRADIENTS

2.2%

CSXT mileage

-3

-2

-1

0

2

3

8.55 miles averaging115.46 feet/mile (2.197%)

4.16 milesaveraging

106.87 feet/mile(2.024%)

5.03 miles averaging

106.73 feet/mile(2.021%)

240245250255260265270


Northern Pacific Railway


Summits 5,714, 5,565, 5,562 feetSurface route, 1883–1884First Bozeman Tunnel, 1884–1945Second Bozeman Tunnel, 1945–presentTunnels

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYBELT MOUNTAINS, BOZEMAN PASS, SURFACE AND TUNNEL ROUTES

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Same point; 0.414 miles

Mileageequation

Max 4%; avg 3.547%

Max 4%; avg 3.732%

152 ft

5,450

5,500

5,550

5,600

5,650

5,700

5,750

126.5127.0127.5128.0128.5129.0129.5


5,520

5,525

5,530

5,535

5,540

5,545

5,550

5,555

5,560

5,565

5,570

127.0127.3127.5127.8128.0128.3128.5

Summits 5,565, 5,562 feetFirst Bozeman Tunnel - 1884-1945Second Bozeman Tunnel - 1945 - presentTunnels

vc

vc

-0.2% -0.12% 0.145%

0.8%

1.2%

vc

vc vc

0.6%

vc

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYBELT MOUNTAINS, BOZEMAN PASS, TUNNEL ROUTES

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1.6%1.9

%


Summits 5,714, 5,562 feetAbandoned surface routeStationsTunnels

Bozeman

(Chestnut)

West EndMuir

(Hoppe

rs)

West Li

vings

ton

Living

ston

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYBELT MOUNTAINS, BOZEMAN PASS, MT

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

5,750

1 101 15120125130135140145

Approximate total rise + fall: via surface line 2,211 feet via 1st Bozeman Tunnel 1,913 feet via 2nd Bozeman Tunnel 1,907 feet

Daylighted 1952

1.8% comp;avg 1.778%

1.9% comp;avg 1.496% LC 1907 reducing grade from

2.2% comp to 1.8% comp;double-tracked

LC 1945 for Second Bozeman Tunnel

LC 1908 reducing grade from 2.2% comp to 1.9% comp;double-tracked

LC 1962

Formerly DT, single-tracked 1962

Formerly DT, single-tracked 1962



Elliston

(Sampson)

end OH line

Blossburg

begin

OH line

Skyli

ne

(Wee

d)

Austin

(Birdsey

e)

Helena

Jct.

Helena

Mullan Tunnel

Iron Ridge Tunnel

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, MULLAN PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Approx. total rise + fall: 2,125 feet 3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

5,750

051015202530

2.2% comp;avg 2.071%

1.4% comp;avg 1.333%

1.4% comp;avg 1.365% LC 1966/68, Iron Ridge Tunnel eliminated 1968

LC 1952

1883


4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

5,750

6,000

6,250

6,500

354045505560657075

Butte

Mtn Tran

Skokes

Highview Homestake

Welch

Spire

Rock

balla

st pit

Pipest

one

Whiteh

all

Summit 6,325 feetTunnelsStations

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, HOMESTAKE PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1890

Approx. total rise + fall: 2,838

LC 1954

MRL lease

2.2% comp;avg 2.011%

Mostly 2.2% comp;avg 2.029%

LC 1956 eliminated Homestake Tunnel


2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

0510152025

Summit 3,915 feetStations

Arlee

(Schley)

Evaro

(Nagos

)

Desmet

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYCORIACAN DEFILE, EVARO HILL, MT

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1883


2.2% comp;avg 1.980%

2.2% comp;avg 2.142%


Summits 3,678, 2,837 feet1887 Switchback route1888 Stampede Tunnel routeTunnels

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYCASCADE RANGE, STAMPEDE PASS, SWITCHBACK ROUTE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

45464748495051525354

Tail track #1

Tail track #2

Tail track #4

Tail track #5

Tail track #3

Max 5.6%; avg 5.050%

Max 5.2%; avg 4.987%

Stampede Tunnel

841 ft


1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

354045505560

Summits - 3,678, 2,837 feet1887 Switchback route1888 Stampede Tunnel routeStationsTunnelsSnowsheds

SW #5SW #4

SW #2

SW #1

Lester

(Kennedy)

StampedeMartin

(Upham

)

Easto

n

NORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYSTAMPEDE PASS, CASCADE RANGE, STAMPEDE PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1887 1887

StampedeTunnel

SW #3

Tunnel #4

1914 LC 1888

Double-tracked 1914

Double-tracked 1914

Same point4.14 miles

2.2% comp;avg 2.035%"

2.2% comp;avg. 2.117%

Approximate total rise + fall: via surface line 3,590 feet via Stampede Tunnel 1,908 feet


West of summit East of summitMiles

Feet

bel

ow s

umm

itNORTHERN PACIFIC RAILWAYCOMPARISON OF MOUNTAIN PASSES

-2,250

-2,000

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25

Bozeman Pass

Mullan Pass

Evaro HillStampede Pass

Homestake Pass

2.2% compensated


Canadian Pacific Railway


110115120125130135

Summit 5,298 feet1884–1909 ProfileStationsDay Tunnel, 161 feet

Safety Spur #3

Safety Spur #2

Safety Spur #1

Field

old Yoho

Hector

Stephen

Lagg

an

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, KICKING HORSE PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

300+ ft

4,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

1884 1883

Day Tunnel

4.5%

Slo

pe

2.2%

Slop

e

Area to startmore gradualalignments


Main trackSafety spur #1 (1902 revision, 1,050 feet)

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYKICKING HORSE PASS, BIG HILL, SAFETY SPUR #1

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

4,920

4,940

4,960

4,980

5,000

5,020

5,040

126.6126.7126.8126.9127.0

Avg 8.2%

Avg 6.3%

96 feet

-4.32%

-4.375%

-4.5%

-4.5%

-4.44%


Main trackSafety spur #2 (640 feet)


Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

50 feet

Avg 6.4%

4,740

4,760

4,780

4,800

4,820

127.5127.6127.7127.8

-4.36%

-4.5%

-4.5%

-4.38%

-4.5%


Main trackSafety spur #3 (700 feet)


Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

51 feet

Avg 10.3%

-4.32%

-4.5%

-4.35%-4.5%

4,420

4,440

4,460

4,480

4,500

4,520

128.9129.0129.1129.2


Day Tunnel 161 feet

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, KICKING HORSE PASS, BIG HILL GRADIENTS

1909 grade revision

-5.0

-4.5

-4.0

-3.5

-3.0

-2.5

-2.0

-1.5

-1.0

-0.5

0.0

0.5

126127128129130

-4.5% comp @ 0.03%/degree, avg -4.307%

2.2%

-2.4% notcorrected


1909 Spiral Tunnels grade vision1884–1909 abandoned Big HillStationsTunnels

Day Tunnel

3rd 1909 Tunnel

Partridge

Yoho

Cathedral

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, KICKING HORSE PASS, 1909 SPIRAL TUNNELS GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Common point3.992 miles

LC 1909

2.2 comp, Avg 1.960%

18841884

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

124125126127128129130131132133134135

Upper Spiral Tunnel10° left, 264°; 10° right, 61°3,255 feet

Lower Spiral Tunnel10° right, 262°tangent2,922 feet

Design Parameters:2.2% compensated Curves - 0.04%/degree Curves in tunnels - 0.06%/degree Tangents in tunnels - 0.02%


Summit 5,298 feet1909–1981 Profile1884-1909 abandoned Big HillStations (1955)Tunnels

Day Tunnel

3d 1909 Tunnel

Lower Spiral Tunnel

Upper Spiral Tunnel

Field

Cathedral

Yoho

Partridge

Hector

Stephen

Lake Louise

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, KICKING HORSE PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

4,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

115120125130135140


1909 grade revision 2.2% comp; avg 1.960%

1884 grade 2.2% comp, avg 1.860%

Avg 1.853%

Avg 1.527%

2.2%

slop

e


1883–1884 line - EB trains1981 1% grade revision - WB trainsStations 2010

Divide

(Lake Louise station)

Lake Louise

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, KICKING HORSE PASS, 1981 LAKE LOUISE GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

5,000

5,050

5,100

5,150

5,200

5,250

5,300

1 161 17181 19120121122

Common point, 0.096 miles

Max 1.82%, avg 1.527%

1884 18831981

1% slope


Summit 5,298 feet1884–1909 Profile1981 1% grade revision - WB trains1884-1909 abandoned Big HillStations 2010Tunnels

Field

Cathedral

Yoho

Partridge

StephenDivi

de

Lake

Louis

e

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, KICKING HORSE PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

4,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

115120125130135

Commonpoint

2.2% comp, avg 1.860%

2.2% comp, avg 1.960%Day Tunnel

3rd 1909 Tunnel

Lower Spiral Tunnel

Upper Spiral Tunnel

LC 19601909

Second track 19811884 1884

1.0% comp

Approx. total rise+fall: 1,551 feet


Summit 4,298 feet1885-1916 profileStationsBridges

Stone

y Cree

k Brid

ge

Surpr

ise Cr

eek B

ridge

Mounta

in Cre

ek Brid

ge

Roge

rs

Pass

Hermit

Bear C

reek

Glacier

Cutba

nk

Sturde

e

Griffith

Beave

rmou

th

Albert Canyon

Downie

Illecillewaet

Flat Creek

Ross Peak

Six Mile

Cree

k

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYCOLUMBIA MOUNTAIN GROUP, SELKIRK RANGE, ROGERS PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

55657585951051 15

Cambie

2.2% comp;avg 1.799%

2.2% comp;avg 1.896%

2.2% comp;avg 2.081%

2.2% comp;avg 2.083%

2.2% comp;avg 2.107%

Avg 1.493%

1885


Summit 4,298 feet1885-1916 surface routeStationsSnowsheds under 1,500 feetSnowsheds over 1,500 feetBridges

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, SURFACE ROUTE 1885–1916

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1885 LC 1909 1885

3,4007677787980818283848586878889909192

3,600

3,800

4,000

4,200

4,400

Stoney Creek Bridge

Roge

rs

Pass

Hermit

Bear C

reek

Glacier

Cambie1

23

4, 5, 67

89

1011

1213

1415

1617

1819

19a20

2122

2425, 26, 27

28

29, 30, 31


Summits 4,298, 3,745 feet1885-1916 abandoned surface route1916 Connaught Tunnel route Stations (1955)TunnelsBridges

Conn

augh

t

Hermit

Bear

Creek

Roge

rs

Pass

Glacier

Glacier

Cambie Connaught Tunnel, 1.0%, 5.03 miles

Stone

y Cree

k

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1916 CONNAUGHT TUNNEL GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

LC 1916

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

767880828486889092

Stoney Creek Bridge

Level

0.627%

553feet

-2.2%

2.2% comp

2.2% co

mp



Summits 4,298, 3,745 feet1885-1916 abandoned surface route1916-1974 profileStations - 1955 Tunnels

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1916–1974 PROFILE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Stone

y Cree

k

Conn

augh

t2.2%

comp

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

1.0%

Cutba

nk

Sturde

e

Griffith

Beave

rmou

th

Albert Canyon

Downie

Illecillewaet

Flat Creek

Ross Peak

Roge

rs (Si

x Mile

Cree

k)

1885 1885LC 1916

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

5565758595105

Commonpoint

Glacier

Connaught Tunnel5.03 miles


2,350

2,400

2,450

2,500

2,550

2,600

5658606264666870

1885-1974 abandoned due to Mica DamStations

Avg 0.760%

Avg 1.537%

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1974 BEAVERMOUTH LINE CHANGE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

LC 1974 18851885

Roge

rs

(Roge

rs)

Beave

rmou

th

(Beave

rmou

th)


Summits 4,298, 3,745 feet1885-1916 abandoned surface line1885-1974 abandoned Beavermouth line1974–1988 profileStationsTunnels

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1974–1988 PROFILE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1885 LC 19741885LC 1916

Stone

y Cree

k

(Conn

augh

t)

Glacier

(Cutba

nk)

(Sturd

ee)

Griffith

Beave

rmou

th

Albert Canyon

Downie

Illecillewaet

Flat Creek

Ross Peak

Roge

rs (Si

x Mile

Cree

k)

Commonpoint

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

5560657075808590951001051 102,000

2.2% com

p

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

Connaught Tunnel5.03 miles

1.0%


2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

657075808590

Summits 3,745, 3,462 feetConnaught Track EB trainsMacdonald Track WB trainsStationsTunnelsBridges

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1988 MACDONALD TUNNEL GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1885 1885LC 19161988 Macdonald track

Glacier

Ross Peak

(Conn

augh

t)

Stone

y Cree

k

Stone

y Cree

k Brid

ge

(Cutba

nk)

(Sturd

ee)

Griffith

Fraine

Macdo

nald

Bear C

reek

Wakely

Macdonald Tunnel9.02 miles, 0.7%

Shaughnessy Tunnel0.91 miles

Connaught Tunnel5.03 miles, 1.0%

2.2%

comp

1% comp

2.2% comp

282feet


Summits 4,298, 3,745, 3,462 feet1885-1916 abandoned surface route1885-1974 abandoned Beavermouth lineConnaught track, EB trainsMacdonald track, WB trainsStationsTunnels

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYROGERS PASS, 1988+ PROFILE

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Stoney Creek

(Connaught)

ConnaughtTunnel

Wakely

Macdo

nald

Bear C

reek

Glacier

(Cutba

nk)

(Sturd

ee)

Griffith

Beave

rmou

th

Fraine

Albert Canyon

Downie

Illecillewaet

Flat Creek

Ross Peak

Roge

rs

Commonpoint

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

110 556065707580859095100105

Macdonald Tunnel

Shaughnessy Tunnel

2.2% com

p

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

2.2%

com

p

1.0%

Approximate total rise + fall: via surface line 3,978 feet via Connaught Track 2,872 feet via Macdonald Track 2,306 feet

0.7%

1.0% comp


1885 profile - EB trains 1979 1% grade revision - WB trainsStationsTunnels

Clanw

illiam

Tumtum

(Tumtum

1979

-2005)

Begbie

Revelstoke

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYCOLUMBIA MOUNTAIN GROUP, GOLD RANGE, EAGLE PASS, CLANWILLIAM GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Common point 0.431 miles

Columbia Riverbridge

188519071% 1979

Avg 1.198%, max 1.45

1,400

1,450

1,500

1,550

1,600

1,650

1,700

1,750

1,800

01234567891011


1885 profile - EB trains - Avg 1.12%, max 1.6% 1980 1% grade revision - WB trainsStations

Notch Hill

(Carlin

)

Tappe

n

CANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYSHUSWAP LAKES, NOTCH HILL GRADE REVISION

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Common point 2.02 miles

Avg 1.12%, max 1.6%

1% WB 1980

1,100

1,200

1,300

1,400

1,500

1,600

1,700

6870727476788082



Feet

bel

ow s

umm

itCANADIAN PACIFIC RAILWAYCOMPARISON OF MOUNTAIN PASSES

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25

Kicking Horse Pass

Macdonald Track 1% WB

ConnaughtTrack

Lake Louise, 1% WB

Rogers Pass

0.7%

1.0% comp2.2

% co

mp2.2

% co

mp

2.2% com

p


Great Northern Railway


Summit 5,215 feetMarias Pass profileStationsBridgesSnowsheds

11

12

10.710

8, 97, 7A

4D5, 6

Essex

Java West

Java East

Blacktail

MariasWest

Bison

East

Bison

Summit

WestGlacier Park

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, MARIAS PASS, 1891

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

BNSF true mileposts

Middle Fork Flathead River (778 feet long, 150 feet high)

1.8% comp;avg 1.678%

1.0% comp;avg 0.895%

1.1% comp;avg 1.072%

Sheep Creek (464 feet long, 117 feet high) Approx. total rise + fall: 1,800 feet

1,1351,1401,1451,150Double-tracked 1923 Double-tracked 1924

1,1551,1601,1651,170


Summit 4,027 feet1893–1900 profileStationsTunnelsMajor bridgesSnowsheds (1894)

Drury

Tumwater Dam Tumwate

r

Powerhouse Leav

enwort

h

PeshastinSkykomish

Last Spike

Tonga

Alpine

Madison

Corea

Embro

Merritt

Winton

Chiwau

kum

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCASCADE RANGE, STEVENS PASS, 1893-1900

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

BNSF true mileposts

Wellington

Nason C

reek

Casca

de Tu

nnel

Berne

Gayno

r

2.2% comp;avg 2.024%

2.2% comp;avg 2.065%

max 4.0%; avg 3.28%

max 3.5%; avg 2.72%Switchback surface route

1,6651,6751,6851,6951,7051,7151,7251,735


Summits 4,027, 3,350 feet1893–1900 switchback surface route1893 2.2% appraoches1900 First Cascade Tunnel routeStationsTunnelsSnowsheds (1894)

Casca

de Tu

nnel

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYSTEVENS PASS, 1893-1900, SWITCHBACK SURFACE ROUTE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts

#1#2

#3#4

#5

#6

#7

#8

#1

#3#2A, 2B

#1

#3#2A, 2B


2,800

3,000

3,200

3,400

3,600

3,800

4,000

1,7021,7041,7061,7081,7101,7121,7141,7161,718

Wellington Wellington

(Tye after 1910)

Loop with wye

Elevation equation3313.34 W = 3345.76 E

1900, First Cascade Tunnel13,183 feet, 1.695%

342-foot extension

349-foot extension

West slopeMax 4.0%;avg 3.278%

East slopeMax 3.5%;avg 2.720%


Summits 4,027, 3,350 feet1893–1900 abandoned switchback surface route1900–1929 profile using First Cascade TunnelFirst Cascade Tunnel, 2.6 milesStationsMajor bridgesSnowsheds (1894)

2.2% comp;avg 2.024%

2.2% comp;avg 2.065%

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCASCADE RANGE, 1900-1929 PROFILE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts

Skykomish

Last Spike

Scenic

Tonga

Alpine

Casca

de Tu

nnel

Merritt

Pesthastin

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

1,6651,6701,6751,6801,6851,6901,6951,7001,7051,7101,7151,7201,7251,7301,735

Nason C

reek

Berne

Gayno

rCorea

Embro

Wellington/Tye


Chiwau

kum

Drury

Winton

Tumwate

r

Tumwater Dam

Leav

enwort

h

Powerhouse


1928–present Chumstick LineAbandoned 1893–1928 Tumwater Canyon lineTunnelsStations

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCASCADE RANGE, STEVENS PASS, 1928 CHUMSTICK LINE CHANGE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

1,6701,6751,6801,6851,690

Winton

(new

)

Tumwater Dam

Tumwate

r

Powerhouse

Drury

Chiwau

kum

Winton

(old)

(Plain

s)

(Chum

stick)

Leav

enwort

h

Leavenworth

Peshastin

Winton Tunnel(4,059 feet, 0.82%)

2.2% comp;avg 2.151%

1.6 comp; avg 1.544%

Chumstick Tunnel(2,601 feet, 1.53%)



1928–present Chumstick LineAbandoned 1893–1928 Tumwater Canyon lineTunnelsStations

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCHUMSTICK LINE CHANGE, WINTON AREA

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts

1,850

1,900

1,950

2,000

2,050

2,100

2,150

2,200

1,6821,6831,6841,6851,6861,6871,6881,6891,6901,691

Winton

Avg 1.409% (Wint

on)

Winton Tunnel(4,059 feet, 0.82%)


Summit 2,894 feet 1893–1900 abandoned switchback surface route1900–1929 abandoned First Cascade Tunnel route1929–present Second Cascade Tunnel routeStationsTunnelsSnowsheds (1894)Bridges

#7

#5, #6

#4

#3#2a, 2b

#1

Scenic (old)

Scenic (new)

Last Spike

Wellington/Tye

Berne

Casca

de Tu

nnel

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYSTEVENS PASS, WEST SIDE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts using first Cascade Tunnel

Embro

Corea

Second Cascade Tunnel, 7.79 miles, 1.57%

First Cascade Tunnel, overall 2.63 miles, 1.695%

Martin Creek Tunnel, 1,492 feet

Martin Creekbridges

Tye River bridge

Tunnel #14, 196 feet

1,7041,7061,7081,7101,7121,7141,7161,7181,7201,7221,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

Elevationequation

#1#2

#5

#6

#7

#8


Summits 4,027, 3,350, 2,894 feet 1893–1900 abandoned surface switchback line1893–1928 abandoned Tumwater Canyon route1900–1929 abandoned Frst Cascade Tunnel line1929–present using Second Cascade TunnelStationsTunnels

Skykomish

Last SpikeScenic

Berne

(Gaynor)

Merritt

(Nason C

reek)

Winton

Chum

stick

Leaven

worth

GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCASCADE RANGE, STEVENS PASS

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

BNSF true mileposts

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

(Plain

s)

(Tonga)(Alpine)

Approximate total rise + fall: via surface line 6,081 feet via 1st Cascade Tunnel 4,590 feet via 2nd Cascade Tunnel 3,816 feet

2.2% comp;avg 2.069%

2.2% comp;avg 2.101%

Second Cascade Tunnel, 7.79 miles, 1.57%

First Cascade Tunneloverall 2.623 miles, 1.695%

Chumstick Tunnel, 2,601 feet, 1.53%

Winton Tunnel, 4,059 feet, 0.82%



1,6651,6701,6751,6801,6851,6901,6951,7001,7051,7101,7151,7201,725

Elevation equation2044.35 W = 2080.7 E(+0.815 miles)


GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAYCOMPARISON OF MOUNTAIN PASSES

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

-2,250

-2,000

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

Marias PassRocky Mountains

Stevens PassCascade Range

1.6% comp

2.2% com

p

Marias

1.8%

comp

Casc

ade T

unne

l 1.57

%

2.2%

com

p



Chicago, Milwaukee, St . Paul and Pacific Railroad


5,100

5,200

5,300

5,400

5,500

5,600

5,700

5,800

5,900

1,3701,3751,3801,3851,3901,395

Summit 5,793 feetStationsSubstations

Ringling

Hamen

Loweth

Bruno

Lennep

1% comp; avg 0.968%

Uncompensated 1.4%

Gradient averages 0.902%

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADBELT MOUNTAINS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Montana Railroad ("Jawbone") deeded to CMSP&P 1910


Constructed 1900 by Montana RailroadConstructed 1897 by Montana Railroad


Summit 6,347 feetStationsTunnelsSubstations

Blacktail Tunnel 2

Blacktail Tunnel 1

Pipestone Pass Tunnel

Fish Creek Tunnel

Butte Yd

Newcomb

Janney

Penfield Donald

Grace

Cedri

c

(Vend

ome)

Piedm

ont


CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, PIPESTONE PASS

2.00% comp; avg 1.87%

1.66% comp; avg 1.505%

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Constructed 1908

1,4801,4851,4901,4951,5001,5051,5101,5151,5201,5254,000

4,250

4,500

4,750

5,000

5,250

5,500

5,750

6,000

6,250

6,750

6,500


2,250

2,500

2,750

3,000

3,250

3,500

3,750

4,000

4,250

4,500

1,7301,7351,7401,7451,7501,7551,7601,7651,7701,7751,780

Summit 4,170 feetStationsTunnelsSubstationsAvery

Stetson

Kyle

Falcon

Adair

RolandEa

st Po

rtal

Bryson

Salte

se

Hauga

n

1.50% and 1.65% comp;avg 1.493%

1.70% comp;avg 1.493%

1.70% comp;avg 1.534%


CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADROCKY MOUNTAINS, BITTERROOT RANGE, ST. PAUL PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Constructed 1909

St Paul Pass Tunnel


Summit 2,460 feetStationsTunnelsSubstations

Kittitas

(East Kittitas)

Bolyston

(Chev

iot)

(Rye)

Doris

Beverl

y

1.60% comp;avg 1.560%

2.20% comp;avg 2.186%


CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADSADDLE MOUNTAINS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

Constructed 1908

250

500

750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

2,0202,0252,0302,0352,0402,0452,0502,0552,060

Johnson Creek Tunnel #45


750

1,000

1,250

1,500

1,750

2,000

2,250

2,500

2,750

2,800

2,0952,1002,1052,1102,1152,1202,1252,1302,1352,140

Summit 2,564 feetStationsTunnelsSnowshedsSubstations

Cedar Falls

(Ragnar)

Bandera

(Rockdale)Hya

k

(Keec

helus

)

(Whit

tier)

Easto

n

Snoqualmie Tunnel

Whittier Tunnel Easton

Tunnel


Tunnel Line opened Jan 17, 1915

(surface route 1908-1915)

1.74% comp; avg 1.591%

0.62% comp; avg 0.604%

CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADCASCADE RANGE, SNOQUALMIE PASS

0.70% comp; avg 0.632%

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

1908


2,250

2,000

1,750

1,500

1,250

1,000

750

500

250

0

25 2520 15 10 5


0 5 10 15 20

Snoqualmie Pass,Cascade Range

Saddle Mountains

St Paul Pass,Bitterroot Mountains

Pipestone Pass,Rocky Mountains

Loweth, Belt Mountains

Feet

bel

ow s

umm

itCHICAGO, MILWAUKEE, ST. PAUL AND PACIFIC RAILROADCOMPARISON OF MOUNTAIN GRADES

2.2% com

pensated


Grand Trunk Pacific Railway,Canadian Northern Railway (CN)


Legacy Grand Trunk Pacific 1912 Legacy Canadian Northern 1915StationsTunnel, 315 feetSummit 3,718 feet

Grant Brook

Fitzwilliam

(Lucerne)

Yellowhead

(Decoig

ne)

Geike

Wynd

Jasper

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYROCKY MOUNTAINS, GREAT DIVIDE, YELLOWHEAD PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

–2.2

% s

lope

+0.4% slope

+2.2% slope

-0.4%

slop

e

3,350

3,400

3,450

3,500

3,550

3,600

3,650

3,700

3,750

0510152025303540

Approx. total rise + fall, Jasper-Grant Brook: 516 feet


Legacy CNo 1915StationsSummit 2,866 feet

Lempriere

Clemina West

Clemina East

Albreda

Cano

e Rive

r

Canoe River bridge624 feet

Valem

ont

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYCOLUMBIA/THOMPSON RIVERS DRAINAGE DIVIDE, ALBREDA SUMMIT

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

2,300

2,400

2,500

2,600

2,700

2,800

2,900

707580859095100105110115

1.014%

Avg 0.321%

Avg 0.579%


Legacy GTP 1912 from Prince Rupert - Higher gradient routeLegacy CNo 1915 from Vancouver - Portion of lower gradient routeLegacy CN 1983 connects GTP and CNo forming lower gradient routeStations Tunnels Snowshed

Lubin

Spicer

Morey

Harvey

Taverna

332 feet

Red Pass14.48 miles

1,216 feet, plus attached snowsheds 148 and 288 feet

CANADIAN NATIONAL RAILWAYTETE JAUNE CUTOFF, LOWER GRADIENT ROUTE HARVEY TO RED PASS

Elev

atio

n (fe

et p

er ra

ilroa

d re

cord

s)

-5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 402,450

2,550

2,650

2,750

2,850

2,950

3,050

3,150

3,250

3,350

3,450

Avg 0.607%

Avg 0.924%361 feet


Inter-railroad comparisons


NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROADSCROSSINGS OF THE GREAT DIVIDE, ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)


-2,250

-2,000

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25

NP, Mullan Pass

MILW, Pipestone Pass

CN, Yellowhead Pass

GN, Marias Pass

CP, Kicking Horse Pass

2.2% compensated

CPNP


NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROADSCROSSINGS OF THE CASCADES, SELKIRKS, COLUMBIA-THOMPSON DRAINAGE DIVIDE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)


NP, Stampede Pass

CP, Rogers Pass via Connaught CP, Rogers Pass

via Macdonald

GN, Stevens Pass

MILW, Snoqualamie Pass

CN, Albreda Summit

-2,250

-2,000

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-25 -20 -15 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30

2.2% compensated

GN

GN

NP NP

CP

CP


NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROADSABANDONED SUMMIT LINES, SURFACE ROUTES

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)


-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10

NP, Belt Mountains, Bozeman Pass

NP, Cascade Range, Stampede Pass

CP, Selkirk Mountains, Rogers Pass

GN, Cascade Range, Stevens Pass surface route

Max 4%

2.2% comp2.2

% comp

max

4.0%

max

5.2% m

ax 5.6%max 3.5%

Max 4%


NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROADSABANDONED SUMMIT LINES, SURFACE ROUTES AND FIRST CASCADE TUNNEL ROUTE

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)


-2,250

-2,000

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

0

-16 -14 -12 -10 -8 -6 -4 -2 0 2 4 6 8 10

NP, Belt Mountains, Bozeman Pass

NP, Cascade Range, Stampede Pass

CP, Selkirk Mountains, Rogers PassGN, Cascade Range,

Stevens Pass surface route

GN, Stevens Pass, first Cascade Tunnel approaches

2.2% co

mp

2.2% comp


NP Mullan Pass east slope, 2.2% compensatedB&O 17-Mile GradeB&O 11-mile segment averaging 2.2%Stations

B&O 17-MILE GRADE VS. NP MULLAN PASS2.2% AVERAGE VS. 2.2% COMPENSATED

Elev

atio

n (f

eet

per

railr

oad

reco

rds)

East of summitMiles

-2,0000 5 10 15 20

-1,750

-1,500

-1,250

-1,000

-750

-500

-250

Helena

Piedmont

Documents

NORTHERN TRANSCONTINENTAL RAILROAD MOUNTAIN PASSEStrn.trains.com/~/media/files/pdf/trains-grade-profiles.pdf · Pacific), Canadian Pacific, BNSF Railway (operating the former