Depot Glacier (Washington) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Depot Glacier |
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 Depot Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°57′29″N 121°18′06″W / 48.95806°N 121.30167°W |
| Length | .65 mi (1.05 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock and icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
A glacier is like a giant, slow-moving river of ice. It forms over many years as layers of snow pile up, get compressed, and turn into thick ice. Depot Glacier is one of these amazing ice formations. You can find it in the North Cascades National Park in the U.S. state of Washington.
This glacier sits high up on the northeast slopes of a mountain called Mount Redoubt. It stretches for about 0.65 miles (1.05 kilometers). As the ice melts, its water flows into Depot Creek, which then empties into Chilliwack Lake. Nearby, you can also find the Redoubt Glacier to its east and the West Depot Glacier, separated by a ridge.
Contents
What is a Glacier and How Does it Form?
Have you ever wondered how a huge mass of ice like Depot Glacier comes to be? Glaciers are not just frozen lakes. They are formed in places where snow falls and stays frozen all year round.
The Journey from Snow to Ice
It takes a very long time for a glacier to form. Here's how it happens:
- First, fresh snow falls and covers the ground.
- Then, more snow falls on top of it, year after year.
- The weight of the new snow presses down on the old snow.
- This pressure squeezes the air out of the snow, making it denser.
- Over time, the snow changes into a granular ice called firn.
- With even more pressure and time, the firn turns into solid glacial ice.
- This ice becomes so thick and heavy that it starts to move very slowly.
Types of Glaciers
There are different kinds of glaciers. Depot Glacier is a type called a mountain glacier (also known as an alpine glacier). These glaciers form in high mountain valleys and flow downhill. Other types include ice sheets, which are much larger and cover entire continents like Antarctica.
Depot Glacier's Home: The North Cascades
Depot Glacier is located in a beautiful and rugged area known as the North Cascades. This region is famous for its tall, jagged mountains and many glaciers.
North Cascades National Park
Depot Glacier is part of the North Cascades National Park. This park is sometimes called the "American Alps" because of its dramatic mountain scenery. It's a protected area, meaning its natural beauty and wildlife are kept safe for everyone to enjoy. The park is home to over 300 glaciers, making it the most glaciated area in the United States outside of Alaska.
Mount Redoubt
Depot Glacier is found on the slopes of Mount Redoubt. This mountain is quite tall, and its high elevation helps keep the glacier cold enough to survive. The glacier flows down from an elevation of about 7,400 feet (2,255 meters) to 6,000 feet (1,829 meters).
The Importance of Glacier Meltwater
Even though glaciers move slowly, they are always changing. The ice at the bottom and edges of a glacier melts, especially during warmer months. This meltwater is very important.
Feeding Depot Creek and Chilliwack Lake
The water that melts from Depot Glacier flows into Depot Creek. This creek then carries the water into Chilliwack Lake. Glaciers act like natural water towers, storing water as ice and releasing it slowly. This meltwater is a vital source for streams, rivers, and lakes, especially during dry seasons. It supports plants, animals, and even human communities downstream.
Retreating Glaciers
Many glaciers around the world, including Depot Glacier, are currently "retreating." This means they are shrinking and getting smaller over time. Scientists study glaciers like Depot Glacier to understand how our climate is changing.
