Dome Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dome Glacier |
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Dome Glacier (center)
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 Dome Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Alpine glacier |
| Location | Skagit County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°18′20″N 121°02′20″W / 48.30556°N 121.03889°W |
| Length | .80 mi (1.29 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall/Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Dome Glacier is a large river of ice found in the Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington, USA. It sits on the northern side of Dome Peak. This glacier slowly moves west, stretching about .80 mi (1.29 km) long. It flows down from high up on the mountain, starting at around 8,600 ft (2,600 m) and dropping to about 6,900 ft (2,100 m). At one point, the ice gets very steep, like a frozen waterfall, which is called an icefall. A sharp, rocky ridge separates Dome Glacier from other nearby glaciers like Dana Glacier and Chickamin Glacier.
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What is Dome Glacier?
Dome Glacier is a type of glacier known as an alpine glacier. This means it forms in high mountain valleys. It is made of snow that has fallen over many years and turned into ice. This huge mass of ice then slowly moves downhill.
Where is Dome Glacier located?
Dome Glacier is found in the North Cascades mountain range. This area is part of the Snoqualmie National Forest in Skagit County, Washington. It is located on the north slopes of a mountain called Dome Peak.
How does Dome Glacier move?
Glaciers move very slowly, like a frozen river. Dome Glacier flows generally towards the west. It moves down a gentle slope for most of its length. However, there is a section where the slope becomes very steep. This steep part is called an "icefall." An icefall is like a frozen waterfall where the ice cracks and breaks as it moves over the uneven ground.
What is an arête?
An arête is a thin, sharp ridge of rock. It is often formed when two glaciers erode, or wear away, rock on either side of a mountain. In the case of Dome Glacier, an arête separates it from two other glaciers. These are the Dana Glacier to the northwest and the Chickamin Glacier to the east.
