Homathko Icefield facts for kids
The Homathko Icefield is a very large area of ice and snow found in British Columbia, Canada. It was officially called the Homathko Snowfield from 1950 until 1976, when its name changed to the Homathko Icefield. It is one of the biggest icefields in the southern part of the Coast Mountains. This amazing icefield covers more than 2,000 square kilometers (about 770 square miles)!
It is located between Chilko Lake and the Homathko River. It also stretches across the Great Canyon of that river, just east of the Waddington Range. Even though it's close to Mount Queen Bess, the Homathko Icefield is mostly a huge sheet of ice. It is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) wide. It is surrounded by smaller mountains, unlike other icefields in the Coast Mountains that have many huge peaks.
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Exploring the Homathko Icefield
The Homathko Icefield is a vast, icy plateau. It sits between the Homathko River and the Southgate River. These rivers flow around the icefield, with the Southgate River bending around its southern side. This river then reaches the head of Bute Inlet, which is right next to where the Homathko River flows into it.
Highest Points and Famous Peaks
The tallest point in the Homathko Icefield is Mount Grenville. This mountain is located at the southern edge of the icefield. Other important peaks in the area include Plateau Peak, Cambridge Peak, Cloister Peak, and Galleon Peak.
On the northwest side of the icefield is Klattasine Peak. This peak is named after a brave Tsilhqotʼin leader. He was a key figure in a historical conflict called the Chilcotin War. Just northeast of the icefield is Mount Queen Bess. This is the second-highest mountain in the Pacific Ranges. To the east of the icefield is Mount Good Hope.
Peaks Named After History
Near Mount Good Hope, and within the icefield itself, are peaks with names that remind us of an old English era. These include Burghley Peak, Howard Peak, and Walsingham Peak. These mountains are named after important soldiers and leaders from that time period.
What's in a Name?
The name "Homathko" comes from "Homalco" or "Homalhco" or "Homalhko." These are names for a group of Indigenous people called the Mainland Comox. Their traditional lands include areas like Bute Inlet and Toba Inlet, which are close to the icefield.
See also
In Spanish: Campo de hielo Homathko para niños
