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Avalanche Canyon facts for kids

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Avalanche Canyon
Avalanche Canyon GTNP1.jpg
Avalanche Canyon and Buck Mountain in background
Geography
Country United States
State Wyoming
County Teton

Avalanche Canyon is a beautiful valley located in Grand Teton National Park. This park is found in the state of Wyoming in the United States. The canyon is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers.

How Avalanche Canyon Was Formed

Avalanche Canyon has a very interesting history. It was shaped by giant sheets of ice called glaciers. These glaciers moved slowly across the land many thousands of years ago.

The Power of Glaciers

About 15,000 years ago, at the end of the last major ice age, these huge glaciers started to melt and shrink. As they moved, they carved out the land. They left behind a special type of valley. This valley is shaped like the letter "U". It has steep sides and a flat bottom.

Mountains and Lakes of the Canyon

Avalanche Canyon is surrounded by impressive mountains. These tall peaks add to the canyon's amazing scenery.

Surrounding Peaks

To the north of Avalanche Canyon, you can see several famous mountains. These include South Teton, Cloudveil Dome, and Nez Perce Peak. To the southwest, you'll find Mount Wister and Veiled Peak. These mountains make the canyon a truly grand place.

Lakes at the Head of the Canyon

At the very top, or "head," of Avalanche Canyon, there are two beautiful lakes. These are Snowdrift Lake and Lake Taminah. They are fed by melting snow and ice from the surrounding peaks. These lakes are often very clear and reflect the mountains around them.

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