Ernest Sound facts for kids
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Ernest Sound is a narrow waterway, or strait, located in Southeast Alaska, U.S.A. It stretches about 48 kilometers (30 miles) to the southwest. This sound connects the mouth of Bradfield Canal to Clarence Strait. It also separates Wrangell Island and Etolin Island from the main Alaskan land.
In 1793, an explorer named James Johnstone was the first to travel through and map Ernest Sound. He was an officer working with George Vancouver during his big expedition from 1791 to 1795. Later, Vancouver named this waterway "Prince Ernest's Sound." He named it after Prince Ernest, Duke of Cumberland, who later became a king.
Contents
Exploring Ernest Sound's Geography
Ernest Sound is a large body of water. It opens up from Clarence Strait between two points, Lemesurier Point and Onslow Point. At this opening, it is about 4 miles wide. The sound generally goes north for about 25 miles, reaching a place called Point Warde.
Bradfield Canal and Its Connection
From Point Warde, the waterway changes its name to Bradfield Canal. This canal then extends about 17 miles to the northeast. It is usually about 1 mile wide.
Islands and Passages in the Sound
Ernest Sound has many small islands. It also has two larger islands, one on each side, located about halfway along its length. From Ernest Sound, two arms stretch out toward the northwest. These arms join near the mouth of the Stikine River, surrounding Wrangell Island.
Zimovia Strait and Blake Channel
The arm to the southwest is called Zimovia Strait. The southeast part of the northeast arm is known as Blake Channel. The northwest part of this arm is called Eastern Passage. You can travel to Wrangell Island by going through Ernest Sound, then Blake Channel, and finally Eastern Passage. This route is sometimes used. Smaller boats often use Zimovia Strait.
Most of Ernest Sound, up to Eaton Point, has been carefully checked. A special survey method was used to find any hidden dangers. This survey also covered the channel from Eaton Point to the north end of Deer Island. It also checked the channel from Deer Island to where Blake Channel and Bradfield Canal meet.
Main Dangers in the Sound
The main dangers in Ernest Sound are McHenry Ledge, which is only 3 feet deep. There is also an 18-foot rock near the entrance to Union Bay. These areas need careful navigation.
