Crystal Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Crystal Glacier |
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Sulphide Glacier (left) and Crystal Glacier (right)
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 Crystal Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°49′36″N 121°35′31″W / 48.82667°N 121.59194°W |
| Length | 1.25 mi (2.01 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
Crystal Glacier is a beautiful ice river located in the North Cascades National Park. This park is in the state of Washington, in the U.S.. It is found on the southern side of a tall mountain called Mount Shuksan. This glacier is like a slow-moving river of ice that helps shape the amazing landscape around it.
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Discovering Crystal Glacier
Crystal Glacier is a type of mountain glacier. It is a large body of ice that moves slowly down a mountain. Glaciers form when snow piles up over many years and turns into ice. The weight of the snow and ice makes the glacier move.
Where is Crystal Glacier?
Crystal Glacier is located in the North Cascades National Park. This park is in the state of Washington, in the U.S.. You can find it on the southern slopes of Mount Shuksan. This mountain is a famous peak in the North Cascades.
How Big is Crystal Glacier?
Crystal Glacier stretches for about 1.25 mi (2.01 km). That's like walking over 2 kilometers! It starts high up on Mount Shuksan. The glacier begins just east of the mountain's top. It then flows downwards.
Glacier's Elevation
The glacier starts at an elevation of about 8,200 ft (2,500 m). This is very high up in the mountains. It then flows down to about 5,800 ft (1,800 m). This means it drops over 2,000 feet in height.
Connected Glaciers and Waterfalls
Crystal Glacier is not alone. It is connected to other glaciers nearby. These connections show how glaciers can be part of a larger ice system.
Nearby Glaciers
- Sulphide Glacier: To the west, Crystal Glacier is connected to the larger Sulphide Glacier.
- East Nooksack Glacier: Crystal Glacier also connects to the East Nooksack Glacier.
- Hanging Glacier: Near its highest parts, it is linked to Hanging Glacier.
Sulphide Basin Falls
Both Crystal and Sulphide Glaciers feed into a series of waterfalls. These waterfalls are called Sulphide Basin Falls. They are between 300-to-1,000-foot (91 to 305 m) high. Imagine water rushing down these tall steps!
Sulphide Lake and Falls
Below these cascades, you will find Sulphide Lake. Water from this lake then flows over Sulphide Creek Falls. This is one of the highest waterfalls in North America. It has an amazing drop of nearly 2,200 ft (670 m). That's taller than many skyscrapers!
