Eel Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eel Glacier |
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Eel Glacier centered on the Anderson massif
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 Eel Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°43′37″N 123°20′20″W / 47.72694°N 123.33889°W |
| Length | 1.05 mi (1.69 km) |
| Terminus | Talus/Proglacial lake |
| Status | Retreating |
The Eel Glacier is a cool natural ice formation. It is found in Olympic National Park in the state of Washington, USA. This glacier sits on the north side of Mount Anderson. It is also east of a peak called West Peak.
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What is Eel Glacier?
Eel Glacier is a large body of ice that moves very slowly. It is a type of mountain glacier. It starts high up on a mountain, at about 6,600 feet (2,012 meters) above sea level. One part of the glacier reaches even higher, to about 7,100 feet (2,164 meters). As it slowly slides downhill, it reaches an elevation of about 5,200 feet (1,585 meters). The glacier is about 1.05 miles (1.69 kilometers) long.
How Do Glaciers Form?
Glaciers like Eel Glacier form over many years. They start when more snow falls in winter than melts in summer. This snow builds up layer after layer. The weight of the new snow presses down on the old snow. This pressure turns the snow into hard, dense ice. Over time, this ice mass grows large enough to start flowing. It moves slowly, like a very thick river.
Where is Eel Glacier Located?
Eel Glacier is located in the Olympic Mountains. These mountains are part of Olympic National Park. This park is a special place in Jefferson County, Washington. It is known for its beautiful forests, mountains, and coastline. The glacier is a key feature of this wild area.
The Journey of Meltwater
As the Eel Glacier slowly melts, its water creates a stream. This stream is called Silt Creek. The meltwater from the glacier feeds this creek. Silt Creek then flows through the rugged Olympic Mountains. It continues its journey through the amazing landscapes of Olympic National Park.
Why is Eel Glacier Shrinking?
Like many glaciers around the world, Eel Glacier is getting smaller. Scientists call this "retreating." Between 1920 and 2009, Eel Glacier lost half of its surface area. This means it became 50 percent smaller. Glaciers retreat when they melt faster than new snow can build them up. This change can affect local water supplies and ecosystems.
