Upper Grinnell Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Upper Grinnell Lake |
|
|---|---|
Ice clogged Upper Grinnell Lake in 2009. Grinnell Glacier is at lower left and The Salamander Glacier is above the lake at center left
|
|
 Upper Grinnell Lake
Location in Montana
Upper Grinnell Lake
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Glacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, US |
| Coordinates | 48°45′33″N 113°43′57″W / 48.75917°N 113.73250°W |
| Type | Natural |
| Primary outflows | Grinnell Creek |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Max. length | .60 miles (0.97 km) |
| Max. width | .20 miles (0.32 km) |
| Surface elevation | 6,463 ft (1,970 m) |
Upper Grinnell Lake is a beautiful lake found in Glacier National Park. This park is located in the state of Montana, in the U.S.. The lake is quite special because it was formed by a glacier.
Exploring Upper Grinnell Lake
Upper Grinnell Lake is a type of lake called a "proglacial lake." This means it formed right at the front of a glacier. It started to appear in the 1930s.
How the Lake Formed
The lake formed as the Grinnell Glacier began to "retreat." When a glacier retreats, it means the ice is melting faster than new snow is falling. This causes the glacier to shrink and move backward. As the Grinnell Glacier melted, it left behind a basin that filled with water, creating Upper Grinnell Lake.
Icebergs in the Lake
You might often see small icebergs floating in Upper Grinnell Lake. These icebergs break off from the Grinnell Glacier itself. This happens when pieces of the glacier crack and fall into the water. It's a cool sight to see, especially on a warm day!
Visiting the Lake
If you want to visit Upper Grinnell Lake, you can reach it by hiking. It's a 5.5 miles (8.9 km) walk from the Many Glacier Hotel. The hike offers amazing views of the park's mountains and scenery. It's a great adventure for those who love nature and hiking.
