Easton Glacier
| Easton Glacier | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Whatcom County, Washington, USA |
| Coordinates | 48°46′38″N 121°48′48″W / 48.77722°N 121.81333°W |
| Length | 3500 m |
| Thickness | 55-70 m |
| Terminus | Moraine |
| Status | Retreating |
Easton Glacier is one of the more prominent alpine glaciers on Mount Baker in the North Cascades Range of Washington state, USA. Named for Charles F. Easton of Bellingham, who did much to preserve the history of Mount Baker,[1] it is positioned on the south face of the mountain and can be accessed by hike year-round and snowmobile in the winter. It is a popular field trip destination for students from Western Washington University and the University of Washington due to its ease of access.
The glacier head is located near Sherman Crater at about 9,000 feet (2,700 m) and the terminus is at 5,500 feet (1,700 m) The glacier has created two very clear lateral moraines, the left being Metcaife Moraine and the right Railroad Grade. Evidence of the glacier’s movement can clearly be seen on the valley floor. Many of the andesite outcrops and boulders have been polished, and glacial striations are easily visible.
Easton has retreated 980 feet (300 m) and lost an average of 43 feet (13 m) of thickness since 1990.[2] While hiking in the valley, previous terminal moraines can be discerned from the surrounding landscape.
References
- ^ Majors, Harry M. (1975). Exploring Washington. Van Winkle Publishing Co. p. 30. ISBN 978-0-918664-00-6.
- ^ Mass Balance of the Easton Glacier 2009