Sherpa Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sherpa Glacier |
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Sherpa Glacier climbing in the Pacific Northwest
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 Sherpa Glacier
Location in Washington (state)
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| Type | Alpine glacier |
| Location | Wenatchee National Forest, Chelan County, Washington, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 47°28′31″N 120°53′24″W / 47.47528°N 120.89000°W |
| Length | .20 mi (0.32 km) |
| Terminus | Icefall |
| Status | Retreating |
The Sherpa Glacier is a beautiful ice formation found in the U.S. state of Washington. It is located near two famous mountains: Mount Stuart and Sherpa Peak. This glacier is part of the amazing Alpine Lakes Wilderness area. This wilderness is inside the Wenatchee National Forest.
What is Sherpa Glacier?
Sherpa Glacier is a type of ice formation called an alpine glacier. This means it forms high up in the mountains. It is about half a mile (0.8 kilometers) east of Mount Stuart. It is also north of Sherpa Peak.
How Did It Get Its Name?
The name "Sherpa Glacier" is quite interesting! It was named after a group of mountain climbers. This mountaineering club was very active in the area starting in the 1950s. The United States Geological Survey (USGS), which studies the Earth, officially gave it this name.
Size and Shape
Sherpa Glacier is not super long, measuring about 0.20 miles (0.32 kilometers). At its widest point, it stretches about 0.15 miles (0.24 kilometers) across. The glacier starts high up at about 7,600 feet (2,316 meters). It then flows down to about 6,600 feet (2,012 meters). At its lowest point, the glacier ends in something called an icefall. An icefall is like a frozen waterfall, where the ice breaks apart as it flows over steep ground.
Another glacier, called Stuart Glacier, is also nearby. It is less than half a mile (0.8 kilometers) to the northwest of Sherpa Glacier.
