Nohokomeen Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nohokomeen Glacier |
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Nohokomeen Glacier below Jack Mountain as imaged in 1966
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 Nohokomeen Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Coordinates | 48°46′47″N 120°58′05″W / 48.77972°N 120.96806°W |
| Area | over 340 acres |
| Length | 1.10 mi (1.77 km) |
| Terminus | Barren rock/icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The Nohokomeen Glacier is a large ice mass found in North Cascades National Park. This park is located in the state of Washington in the United States. The glacier sits in a cirque, which is a bowl-shaped hollow carved by ice, on the northern side of Jack Mountain.
The Nohokomeen Glacier has many deep cracks called crevasses. These cracks are especially noticeable as the glacier flows downhill. Over the past 20 years, the glacier has been shrinking. This shrinking has revealed a new small lake at an elevation of 6,260 feet.
Even though it is shrinking, the Nohokomeen Glacier is retreating slower than many other glaciers. It has moved back less than 100 yards in the last 17 years. In the past 46 years, it has retreated less than 900 feet. Scientists think this slower retreat is because the glacier is very high up. Many other glaciers in the Cascades mountains are at lower elevations.
Where is Nohokomeen Glacier Located?
The Nohokomeen Glacier is nestled within the beautiful North Cascades National Park. This park is known for its rugged mountains and many glaciers. The glacier itself is on the north slope of Jack Mountain. This mountain is a prominent peak in the North Cascades range. The glacier's high elevation helps it survive longer than some other glaciers.
What Makes This Glacier Unique?
Nohokomeen Glacier is known for its many crevasses. These are deep, dangerous cracks in the ice. They form when the glacier moves over uneven ground. The crevasses are most visible in the middle and lower parts of the glacier.
As the glacier has slowly melted, it has uncovered a new lake. This lake formed at 6,260 feet above sea level. It is a clear sign of the glacier's ongoing changes.
How is the Glacier Changing?
Like many glaciers around the world, Nohokomeen Glacier is getting smaller. This process is called "retreating." However, this glacier is retreating at a slower pace compared to others. It has only shrunk by less than 100 yards in the last 17 years. Over a longer period, 46 years, it has retreated less than 900 feet.
Scientists believe its high altitude protects it. Many other glaciers in the Cascade Mountains are at lower elevations. This makes them more vulnerable to warmer temperatures. The Nohokomeen Glacier's high position helps it stay colder and melt slower.
