Adopted 8 November 1993 on 82M, 82N, 83D, as an established name used by geologists and transportation planners. Name originally proposed March 1960 by BC Mines Department to describe this subdivision of the Selkirk Mountains, but presumably overlooked at that time.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Bounded by Lake Revelstoke, Columbia Reach (Kinbasket Lake), Illecillewaet River and lower Beaver River.

Source: BC place name cards, or correspondence to/from BC's Chief Geographer or BC Geographical Names Office

Recalls the underlying geography and drainage patterns, prior to flooding of this portion of the Columbia River valley. "In 1865-66, great excitement was created by the discovery of gold, in paying quantities, on the Bend of the Columbia, known as the "Big Bend Excitement." Miners from all parts flocked in considerable numbers to the new locality; steamers were built; and roads, at great expense, opened to encourage traffic; but before twelve months had expired, Big Bend was deserted, and new discoveries on the Findlay Branch of the Peace River, in the district now known as Omineca, claimed the attention of the wandering miner.... (BC Mines Report 1874, p.4)

Source: BC place name cards, files, correspondence and/or research by BC Chief Geographer/Geographical Names Office.