Snowbird Glacier facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowbird Glacier |
|
|---|---|
Snowbird Glacier as viewed from the southern pass.
|
|
 Snowbird Glacier
Location in Alaska
|
|
| Type | Hanging mountain glacier |
| Location | Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, United States |
| Coordinates | 61°51′8.6″N 149°12′19.5″W / 61.852389°N 149.205417°W |
| Terminus | alpine moraines |
| Status | retreating |
Snowbird Glacier is a cool hanging glacier found high up in the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska. It's like a giant, slow-moving river of ice! This amazing glacier is a popular spot for outdoor adventures.
Contents
Where is Snowbird Glacier?
Snowbird Glacier is tucked away in the southwestern part of the Talkeetna Mountains in Alaska. Imagine a giant, natural bowl high up in the mountains. That's where this glacier sits! It's surrounded by tall, rocky peaks, other glaciers, and deep canyons. This area is mostly rock and ice, with very few plants growing there.
Fun Things to Do at Snowbird Glacier
Lots of people love to visit Snowbird Glacier!
- In winter and spring, people go backcountry skiing and use snowmachines (like snowmobiles) to explore.
- In summer and fall, hikers and backpackers come to enjoy the views and walk on the glacier.
The glacier is part of a famous route called the "Bomber Traverse." This path connects several cozy mountain huts deep in the Talkeetna Mountains.
Staying Safe on the Glacier
Even though it's beautiful, it's important to be careful.
- In winter, snow on nearby peaks can cause avalanches.
- In summer, Snowbird Glacier is usually safe to walk on without special climbing gear. However, wearing light crampons (spikes for your boots) or Yaktrax (traction devices) can help you grip the ice better.
- Always watch out for water on the surface and for moulins. Moulins are big, deep holes in the glacier. They are carved by melting water that drills down into the ice. These can be dangerous for visitors at any time of year.
The Snowbird Glacier Hut
In 2006, a group called the American Alpine Club got permission to build a special cabin, called a wilderness hut. It's located on a high ridge next to the glacier. This new hut replaced an older, worn-out structure from 1985.
Building the Hut
The new hut was designed for free by architects in Anchorage, Alaska. It was mostly built by many volunteers who gave their time and effort. The hut was finished in 2010.
Visiting the Hut
The Snowbird Glacier Hut is open to everyone and is free to use all year round! The American Alpine Club asks visitors to be respectful and share the hut with others. If more people arrive, try to make room for them.
The hut's exact location is 61 degrees 51.506 North and 149 degrees 12.113 West. Hikers should know that the hut might be hard to find or already full. So, it's not a good idea to rely on it as your only safe place or shelter.
