Dry Strait facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dry Strait |
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 Dry Strait
Location in Alaska
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| Location | Southeast Alaska, United States |
| Coordinates | 56°37′00″N 132°32′55″W / 56.61667°N 132.54861°W |
| Type | Strait |
Dry Strait is a narrow waterway in Southeast Alaska, United States. It separates Mitkof Island from Dry Island. This strait is found near where the Stikine River meets the ocean.
Long ago, when Russian explorers visited this area, they called it Sukhoy Strait. This name also means "dry."
The strait is quite shallow. It connects Frederick Sound to the north with Sumner Strait to the south. Dry Island is actually part of the mainland. It was formed by parts of the Stikine River that flow into the ocean. The strait likely got its name because it often becomes dry during low tide.
Exploring Dry Strait
Dry Strait is the widest strait in the Inside Passage in this area. However, ships do not use it very often. This is because the strait is greatly affected by the Stikine River Delta.
The Stikine River Delta is always growing. It drops a lot of sand and mud onto the ocean floor. This creates many shallow areas called tidal flats throughout the strait. These shallow spots make it difficult for large boats to pass through safely.
How Do Ships Get Around?
Most ships traveling between Wrangell and Petersburg use a different route. They usually go through the Wrangell Narrows. This waterway is narrower but deeper. It runs between Mitkof Island and Kupreanof Island.
Very large ships often avoid the Inside Passage completely in this area. Instead, they choose an open ocean route. They travel through Chatham Strait to get to their destination.
