Fairchild Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fairchild Glacier |
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Fairchild Glacier on Mount Carrie
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 Fairchild Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 47°54′24″N 123°37′44″W / 47.90667°N 123.62889°W |
| Length | .40 mi (0.64 km) |
| Terminus | Proglacial lake |
| Status | Retreating |
Fairchild Glacier is a large body of ice, like a slow-moving river of frozen water. It's found in the U.S. state of Washington. This glacier sits high up on Mount Fairchild and Mount Carrie, which are part of the Olympic Mountains inside Olympic National Park.
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What is Fairchild Glacier?
Fairchild Glacier starts at a very high point, about 6,600 feet (2,000 m) (or 2,012 meters) above sea level. This starting point is along a place called the Baily Ridge. From there, the glacier slowly moves downhill towards the northeast. It is about .30 mi (0.48 km) (0.48 kilometers) away from another glacier called Carrie Glacier.
Where is Fairchild Glacier located?
This glacier is located in the Olympic National Park, which is a beautiful natural area in Washington. It's specifically found in Clallam County, Washington. The glacier is nestled between two mountains: Mount Fairchild and Mount Carrie.
Why is Fairchild Glacier shrinking?
Just like many other glaciers around the world, Fairchild Glacier has been getting smaller. This process is called "retreating." For more than 100 years, this glacier, along with all the other glaciers in Olympic National Park, has been melting and shrinking. This is a natural process, but it has sped up in recent times.
Who was William R. Fairchild?
The glacier is named after a person named William R. Fairchild. He was a pilot who helped scientists explore and research the Olympic Mountains area. Naming the glacier after him was a way to honor his contributions to understanding this region.
