Snowdrift Lake (Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Snowdrift Lake |
|
|---|---|
 Snowdrift Lake
Location in Wyoming
Snowdrift Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Grand Teton National Park, Teton County, Wyoming, US |
| Coordinates | 43°42′31″N 110°49′38″W / 43.70861°N 110.82722°W |
| Type | Glacial Lake |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .50 mi (0.80 km) |
| Max. width | .20 mi (0.32 km) |
| Surface elevation | 10,006 ft (3,050 m) |
Snowdrift Lake is a beautiful alpine lake found in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, United States. It's known for being one of the highest lakes in the park. This means it sits very high up in the mountains!
The lake is about half a mile long and a fifth of a mile wide. It's located at an elevation of over 10,000 feet (about 3,050 meters) above sea level. Imagine how clear the air must be up there!
Contents
Where is Snowdrift Lake Located?
High in the Teton Mountains
Snowdrift Lake is nestled in the stunning Grand Teton National Park. This park is famous for its tall, jagged mountains. The lake is found in Teton County, Wyoming.
It sits in a special bowl-shaped area called a cirque. This cirque is at the very top of Avalanche Canyon.
Nearby Peaks and Lakes
Snowdrift Lake is surrounded by other amazing natural features. It's about half a mile north of two big mountains: Mount Wister and Veiled Peak.
Just a bit further north, about a third of a mile away, you'll find Kit Lake. Another lake, Lake Taminah, is about half a mile to the east. Snowdrift Lake is nearly 1,000 feet higher than Lake Taminah.
How Glacial Lakes Form
The Power of Ice
Snowdrift Lake is a type of lake called a glacial lake. These lakes are created by the powerful movement of glaciers. Glaciers are like giant, slow-moving rivers of ice.
Thousands of years ago, huge glaciers covered much of the Earth. As these glaciers moved, they scraped and carved out the land. They acted like giant bulldozers, digging deep hollows in the mountains.
Carving the Landscape
When the glaciers melted, these hollows filled up with water from the melting ice and snow. This is how many of the beautiful lakes in places like Grand Teton National Park were formed.
The cirque where Snowdrift Lake sits is a perfect example of a bowl-shaped valley carved by a glacier. The high elevation of the lake also shows its glacial origins.
Exploring Grand Teton National Park
A Home for Wildlife
Grand Teton National Park is a wild and beautiful place. It's home to many different animals. You might see moose, elk, bison, and even bears.
The clear, cold waters of lakes like Snowdrift Lake are important for the park's ecosystem. They provide water for animals and are part of the natural beauty that visitors come to see.
Hiking and Adventure
Because Snowdrift Lake is so high up and in a cirque, reaching it often involves hiking. Trails in Grand Teton National Park offer amazing views and a chance to experience nature up close.
Hikers can explore the rugged terrain and enjoy the peace and quiet of these high-altitude lakes. It's a great way to connect with the natural world.
