Klawatti Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Klawatti Lake |
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 Klawatti Lake
Location in Washington (state)
Klawatti Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | North Cascades National Park, Skagit County, Washington, United States |
| Coordinates | 48°33′20″N 121°04′47″W / 48.55556°N 121.07972°W |
| Lake type | Alpine lake |
| Primary outflows | Klawatti Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .60 mi (0.97 km) |
| Max. width | .25 mi (0.40 km) |
| Surface elevation | 5,367 ft (1,636 m) |
Klawatti Lake is a beautiful, hidden lake located high up in the mountains of North Cascades National Park in the state of Washington. It's a special kind of lake called an alpine lake, which means it's found in a very cold, high-altitude area. This lake is quite remote, far away from any marked trails, making it a true wilderness gem.
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Klawatti Lake: A Hidden Gem
Klawatti Lake is nestled within the rugged North Cascades National Park. This park is known for its wild, untouched landscapes and towering mountains. The lake itself is found in Skagit County, a part of Washington state. It sits at an elevation of about 5,367 feet (1,636 meters) above sea level.
Where is Klawatti Lake?
Finding Klawatti Lake is an adventure because it's not near any easy-to-reach paths. It's located deep inside the national park, far from any roads or popular hiking trails. This means that only experienced hikers or explorers usually get to see its clear waters. The lake is about 0.60 miles (0.97 km) long and 0.25 miles (0.40 km) wide. Just about 1 mile (1.6 km) to the west of the lake, you can see Klawatti Peak, a tall mountain that adds to the stunning scenery.
Glaciers and the Lake's Water
Klawatti Lake gets most of its water from melting ice. During the warmer months, water flows into the lake from two nearby glaciers: the North Klawatti Glacier and the Klawatti Glacier. These huge, slow-moving rivers of ice feed the lake, keeping its water cold and fresh.
How Glaciers Shape the Lake
Glaciers are like giant ice sculptures that slowly move and carve out the land. For a long time, the Klawatti Glacier actually reached all the way into Klawatti Lake. An old photo from 1969 shows the glacier touching the lake's edge. However, over the years, many glaciers around the world have been shrinking. This means the Klawatti Glacier likely doesn't reach the lake anymore, showing how much our planet's icy landscapes can change.
What is an Alpine Lake?
An alpine lake is a lake found in the mountains, usually at a high elevation. These lakes are often formed by glaciers that carved out hollows in the rock. When the glaciers melt, they fill these hollows with water. Alpine lakes are known for their very clear, cold water and beautiful mountain surroundings.
What is a Glacier?
A glacier is a huge mass of ice that moves slowly over land. Glaciers form when snow piles up over many years, gets compressed, and turns into ice. They are often found in very cold places like high mountains or near the Earth's poles. As they move, glaciers can shape valleys, mountains, and even create lakes like Klawatti Lake.
Images for kids
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Klawatti Lake in 1969, showing the Klawatti Glacier reaching the lake.
