Garden Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Garden Glacier |
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 Garden Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Alpine glacier |
| Location | Skagit, Snohomish and Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 48°17′59″N 121°00′35″W / 48.29972°N 121.00972°W |
| Length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall/Barren rock |
| Status | Retreating |
Garden Glacier is a fascinating natural ice formation located in the state of Washington, USA. You can find it nestled within two large protected areas: the Wenatchee National Forest and the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. This glacier is special because it's split into two main parts. These sections sit on the south and east sides of a mountain called Sinister Peak.
The glacier stretches quite a bit, from about 7,800 feet (2,377 meters) high down to 7,000 feet (2,134 meters). At its lower end, you'll see dramatic icefalls and rocky areas. These are places where the ice has melted away. A sharp, rocky ridge, called an arête, separates Garden Glacier from another glacier nearby. This other glacier is the Chickamin Glacier, which is to its north.
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Discovering Garden Glacier
Garden Glacier is a type of alpine glacier. This means it forms in high mountain valleys. It's a large body of ice that moves slowly down a mountain. Glaciers are important because they store a lot of the world's fresh water. They also help shape the landscape over many years.
Where is Garden Glacier Located?
This glacier is found in the beautiful North Cascades mountains. It actually crosses through three different counties in Washington state. These counties are Skagit, Snohomish, and Chelan. Its location in these national forests means it's part of a protected natural area. This helps keep the glacier and its surroundings safe.
Unique Features of Garden Glacier
One of the most interesting things about Garden Glacier is that it's divided into two main sections. These sections are found on different slopes of Sinister Peak. The glacier's lower end is marked by "icefalls." These are like frozen waterfalls, where the ice flows over steep cliffs. Below these icefalls, you'll find "barren rocks." This means there are no plants growing there, just exposed rock.
The "arête" that separates Garden Glacier from Chickamin Glacier is a very cool geological feature. An arête is a narrow, knife-like ridge of rock. It's often formed when two glaciers erode (wear away) rock on opposite sides of a mountain.
A Bit of History
Garden Glacier played a role in the history of climbing in the area. It was part of the original path used by climbers in 1939. This was when they made the very first successful climb to the top of Sinister Peak. This shows how glaciers can be important landmarks for explorers and adventurers. Today, like many glaciers around the world, Garden Glacier is "retreating." This means it is getting smaller over time.
