Stikine Icecap facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stikine Icecap |
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The Devils Thumb rises above the Stikine Icecap
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 Location in British Columbia
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| Type | Icecap |
| Location | Canada–United States border |
| Coordinates | 57°04′14″N 132°13′51″W / 57.07056°N 132.23083°W |
| Terminus | outflow glaciers |
The Stikine Icecap is a huge area of ice and snow, like a giant frozen blanket, located right on the border between Canada and the United States. It's found in the Coast Mountains, specifically the Boundary Ranges, which are known for their rugged beauty. Much of the U.S. part of the icecap is protected within the Tongass National Forest in Alaska, making it a special wilderness area called the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness.
Where is the Stikine Icecap Located?
The Stikine Icecap stretches across the border of Alaska in the Alaska Panhandle and British Columbia in Canada. It's a very large icefield, meaning it's a wide area of connected glaciers and snow that covers mountain ranges.
Rivers and Glaciers Fed by the Icecap
This massive icecap is like a giant natural water tower. It's the main source for several important rivers and glaciers.
- The Taku River starts here and forms the northern edge of the icecap. Many smaller rivers that flow into the Taku also begin on the icecap.
- The Stikine River and its western branches, like the Chutine River, get their water from the southern parts of the icecap.
The Stikine Icecap also feeds several large glaciers:
- On the U.S. side, you'll find the LeConte Glacier and the Sawyer Glacier.
- On the Canadian side, there's the Great Glacier, the Mud Glacier, and the Flood Glacier. These Canadian glaciers flow into the lower Stikine River.
Amazing Mountains and Adventures
The Stikine Icecap area is famous for its incredibly challenging and dangerous mountain peaks. These granite spires are so impressive that some people compare them to the famous mountains of Patagonia in South America.
Some of the most well-known peaks include:
- Devils Thumb
- Witches Tits
- Cat's Ears
- Burkett Needle
Many adventurers and climbers who want to explore this wild region usually start their trips from Petersburg, Alaska.
