Adams Glacier (Mount Adams)

Adams Glacier

Adams Glacier from the northwest
Map showing the location of Adams Glacier
Adams Glacier

Mount Adams, Yakima / Skamania counties, Washington, USA

Type Mountain glacier
Coordinates 46°13′02″N 121°30′42″W / 46.21722°N 121.51167°W / 46.21722; -121.51167Coordinates: 46°13′02″N 121°30′42″W / 46.21722°N 121.51167°W / 46.21722; -121.51167[1]
Area 3.68 km2 (1.42 sq mi) in 2006[2]
Length 2.5 miles (4.0 km)
Terminus Moraines
Status Retreating

Adams Glacier is situated on the northwest flank of Mount Adams, a 12,281-foot (3,743 m) stratovolcano in the U.S. state of Washington.[3] Much of it becomes the source of Adams Creek, a tributary of the Cispus River. It is the largest glacier on Mount Adams, and the second largest in the contiguous United States, flowing down from the summit ice cap at over 12,000 feet (3,700 m) for over 2.5 miles (4.0 km) to a terminus near 7,000 feet (2,100 m).

Adams Glacier, the second largest glacier in the contiguous United States, cascading down the 12,281 ft. summit.

Between 11,800 and 9,200 feet (3,600 and 2,800 m), the glacier flows through a steep icefall that provides challenging climbing through a maze of seracs. The first ascent of the glacier was by Fred Beckey, Dave Lind, and Robert Mulhall in July 1945.[4]

Below 8,400 feet (2,600 m), the glacier spreads into a broad sheet with five separate tongues of ice extending out to termini between large moraines. On its easternmost tongue, it ends at a glacial tarn, or small ice-choked lake above High Camp.

The glacier has decreased in surface area by 47% between 1904 and 2006.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Adams Glacier". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey. Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  2. 1 2 Sitts, Danielle; Andrew G. Fountain; Matthew J. Hoffman (2010). "Twentieth Century Glacier Change on Mount Adams, Washington, USA" (pdf). Northwest Science (Northwest Scientific Association) 84 (4): 378–385. doi:10.3955/046.084.0407. Retrieved 2012-11-03.
  3. ↑ Mount Adams West, WA (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved 3 November 2012.
  4. ↑ Beckey, Fred (2000). Cascade Alpine Guide: Climbing and High Routes: Volume 1, Columbia River to Stevens Pass (3rd ed.). Mountaineers Books. p. 352. ISBN 0-89886-577-8.
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