Kahiltna Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kahiltna Glacier |
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| Type | Valley glacier |
| Location | Denali Borough, Alaska and Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 62°45′57″N 151°18′12″W / 62.76583°N 151.30333°W |
| Length | 44 miles (71 km) |
The Kahiltna Glacier is a very long glacier located in Alaska, USA. It is the longest glacier in the Alaska Range mountain chain. This huge river of ice starts high up on the southwest side of Denali, which is North America's tallest mountain. It begins near a place called Kahiltna Pass, which is about 10,320 feet (3,146 meters) high.
The main part of the glacier flows almost straight south. It runs between two large mountains: Mount Foraker on its west side and Mount Hunter on its east side. The name "Kahiltna Glacier" was first written down in 1902 by explorer Lt. J.S. Herron. He called it "Car-ilt-nu Glacier." Another name for it is Kagheltnu Li'a. The Kahiltna Glacier stretches for about 44 miles (71 kilometers).
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Branches of the Kahiltna Glacier
The Kahiltna Glacier has several important branches, which are like smaller glaciers flowing into the main one. These branches are often used by mountain climbers to reach different parts of Denali and other peaks.
The Northeast Fork
The Northeast Fork is a branch of the glacier that sits just below a large flat area. This area is home to a camp for climbers on Denali's standard climbing route, called the West Buttress. This camp is about 14,000 feet (4,267 meters) high. The Northeast Fork also gives climbers access to other, more challenging routes on Denali, like the West Rib and Cassin Ridge.
The East Fork
The East Fork is a branch that climbers do not visit very often. However, it provides a way to get to the west side of Denali's South Buttress. This is another part of the mountain that climbers might want to reach.
The Southeast Fork
The mouth, or starting point, of the Southeast Fork is a very important place. It is where a seasonal airstrip and base camp for Denali climbers are set up. This camp is usually around 7,000 feet (2,134 meters) high. Even though the airstrip is technically just outside the official boundary of Denali National Park and Preserve, it is often used by climbers.
This base camp is also used by climbers who want to tackle Mount Hunter. Mount Hunter is a very tough mountain that rises just south of the Southeast Fork. Climbers also use this camp to reach Mount Foraker, which is located across the main part of the Kahiltna Glacier.
Other Glacier Branches
Many other smaller branches split off from the main Kahiltna Glacier to the east. These are found south of Mount Hunter. They lead to a group of small but very steep rocky peaks. These peaks are popular with climbers and are known as Little Switzerland.
The very end of the Kahiltna Glacier, called its snout, is further south. It is at an elevation of about 1,000 feet (305 meters). At this point, the glacier melts and forms the Kahiltna River.
