So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier facts for kids

Quick facts for kids So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier
So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier on the northwest slopes of Whitehorse Mountain
So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier Location in Washington (state)
Type	Cirque glacier
Coordinates	48°12′48″N 121°40′56″W / 48.21333°N 121.68222°W / 48.21333; -121.68222
Length	.40 mi (0.64 km)
Terminus	Barren rock
Status	Retreating

The So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier is a cool natural ice formation. It is located in the Snoqualmie National Forest in the state of Washington, in the U.S.. You can find it on the northern side of Whitehorse Mountain.

This glacier has a special name. "So-Bahli-Alhi" means lofty lady from the east in a Native American language. It is also part of a popular path for people who like to climb to the top of Whitehorse Mountain.

What is a Glacier?

A glacier is a huge body of ice that moves very slowly. Imagine a giant river, but made of ice instead of water! Glaciers form in places where snow falls and builds up over many, many years. The snow gets packed down and turns into ice.

How Glaciers Form

Glaciers start when more snow falls in winter than melts in summer. This extra snow piles up. As new snow falls, it presses down on the older snow. This pressure squeezes the air out of the snow, turning it into dense ice. Over hundreds or thousands of years, this ice becomes so thick and heavy that it starts to flow.

Types of Glaciers

There are different kinds of glaciers. Some are huge ice sheets that cover entire continents, like in Antarctica. Others are smaller and found in mountains. The So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier is a special type called a cirque glacier.

What is a Cirque Glacier?

A cirque glacier is a glacier that forms in a bowl-shaped hollow on the side of a mountain. This hollow is called a "cirque." It looks like a giant armchair carved into the mountain. Snow collects in this bowl, turns to ice, and then slowly slides down the mountain.

Where is So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier?

The So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier is located in Snohomish County, Washington. This county is in the northwestern part of Washington state. The glacier sits on the slopes of Whitehorse Mountain.

Whitehorse Mountain

Whitehorse Mountain is a tall peak in the Cascade Range. This mountain range runs through Washington state. The glacier is found on the northwest side of the mountain. It's a beautiful area with lots of nature.

The Glacier's Status

Sadly, the So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier is currently retreating. This means it is getting smaller. Glaciers retreat when more ice melts away than is replaced by new snow.

Why Glaciers Retreat

Glaciers around the world are retreating because of changes in our planet's climate. Warmer temperatures cause more ice to melt. This melting happens faster than new snow can fall and turn into ice. When glaciers retreat, it can affect local water supplies and ecosystems.

Why is So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier Important?

Besides being a beautiful natural wonder, the So-Bahli-Alhi Glacier is important for a few reasons.

Water Source

Many glaciers, including smaller ones like So-Bahli-Alhi, act like natural water towers. They store frozen water during colder months. Then, as the ice melts in warmer seasons, it provides fresh water to rivers and streams. This water is important for plants, animals, and even people living nearby.

Climbing Route

The glacier is also part of a well-known climbing route. Experienced climbers use this path to reach the summit of Whitehorse Mountain. It's a challenging climb that offers amazing views.

Studying Climate

Scientists also study glaciers like So-Bahli-Alhi. By watching how they change, scientists can learn more about our planet's climate. This helps us understand how the Earth is changing and what we can do to protect it.