Carrie Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Carrie Glacier |
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 Carrie Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°53′29″N 123°38′05″W / 47.89139°N 123.63472°W |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Terminus | Proglacial lake |
| Status | Retreating |
The Carrie Glacier is a fascinating river of ice located high up in the Olympic Mountains. You can find it in Olympic National Park, which is in the state of Washington, USA. This glacier sits on the slopes of two tall peaks: Mount Carrie and Mount Fairchild.
Where is the Carrie Glacier Located?
The Carrie Glacier is nestled in the rugged Olympic Mountains. It's part of the amazing natural beauty found within Olympic National Park. This park is a protected area in Clallam County, Washington, in the USA.
How Does the Carrie Glacier Move?
The glacier starts very high up, at about 6,800 feet (2,100 m) (that's over 2,000 meters!). From there, it slowly slides downhill towards the north.
As it moves, the ice reaches a very steep cliff. Part of the Carrie Glacier actually tumbles over this rocky wall! This falling ice then adds to another glacier nearby.
The other part of the glacier avoids the big drop. It flows north-northeast, guided by the mountains around it. An arête (a sharp, narrow mountain ridge) keeps it on the west side. Mount Fairchild forms its eastern boundary. This section of ice flows through a narrow channel, almost like a natural slide.
The glacier continues its journey downwards. It reaches as low as 5,000 ft (1,500 m) (about 1,500 meters) before it ends. There are also other patches of snow and ice nearby, including the Fairchild Glacier.
How Did Carrie Glacier Get Its Name?
Both Mount Carrie and the Carrie Glacier were named a long time ago. A surveyor named Theodore Rixon gave them their names. He named them after his fiancée, Caroline Jones. He met her on a trail in the Soleduck Valley.
