What happened to Portage Glacier?
During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Portage Glacier terminated on land at the western end of Portage Lake, filling Portage Lake with ice (Photo Plate 1914). Since the early 1900s, the glacier has receded, leaving Portage Lake in the scoured basin.
How old is Portage Glacier?
Even though the lake is now five miles long and a half-mile wide, it’s barely 100 years old.
How was Portage Lake alaska formed?
Alaska’s Portage Glacier. Portage Lake was created behind the terminal moraine of Portage Glacier as it began receding. Burns Glacier, a hanging glacier, is visible in the middle distance; Portage Glacier is hidden behind the outcropping to the right of Burns Glacier.
Where is Portage Valley AK?
Between Girdwood and the road to Whittier, just off the scenic Seward Highway about 50 miles south of Anchorage, is the stunning Portage Valley.
What kind of glacier is the Portage Glacier?
alpine glaciers
Portage Valley. One of Alaska’s most accessible glaciers and most popular attractions, Portage Glacier is the crown jewel in a valley studded with alpine glaciers. The Portage Valley was literally shaped by glaciers and today is a perfect spot for exploring.
Where is Portage Valley Alaska?
Portage Valley is a 14 mile isthmus that connects the Kenai Peninsula to mainland Alaska. Portage Glacier once extended the entire length of the valley. The glacial remnants seen today are Explorer, Middle, Byron, Burns, and Shakespeare glaciers.
Can you kayak to Portage Glacier?
Trip Overview. Portage Glacier and its lake were opened to kayaking in 2009 by the National Park Service. It’s also close to Anchorage!
What kind of glacier is Portage Glacier?
Mountain glacier
Portage Glacier is a glacier on the Kenai Peninsula of the U.S. state of Alaska and is included within the Chugach National Forest….
| Portage Glacier | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Anchorage and Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 60°45′11″N 148°47′08″W |
| Length | 6 miles (9.6 km) |
How deep is Portage Lake Alaska?
600 ft
Portage Lake (Alaska)
| Portage Lake | |
|---|---|
| Max. length | 3.0 mi (4.8 km) |
| Max. width | .89 mi (1.43 km) |
| Average depth | 600 ft (180 m) |
| Islands | none |
Is Portage Glacier still there?
Portage Glacier is a glacier on the Kenai Peninsula of the U.S. state of Alaska and is included within the Chugach National Forest. It is located south of Portage Lake and 6 km (4 mi) west of Whittier….
| Portage Glacier | |
|---|---|
| Status | retreating |
What kind of Glacier is the Portage Glacier?
Can you swim in Portage Lake Alaska?
Its low temperature year-round makes Portage Lake a potentially dangerous locale for swimming or other water activities.
Where is the Portage Glacier in Alaska?
U.S. Forest Service Begich, Boggs Visitor Center location is marked. Portage Glacier is located in south-central Alaska. The Portage Glacier, in south-central Alaska, is viewed by thousands of visitors annually who come to the U.S. Forest Service Begich, Boggs Visitor Center located on the road system between Anchorage and Whittier, Alaska.
What happened to the Portage Glacier?
Since the early 1900s, the glacier has receded, leaving Portage Lake in the scoured basin. The initial retreat of the glacier coincides with known climate warming associated with the end of the Little Ice Age (circa mid-19th century).
How long is the drive to Portage Glacier Road?
The Portage Glacier Road runs 6 miles (9.7 km), mostly past USFS campgrounds, to the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The main road used to end here, but now continues eastward, leading to the Anton Anderson Memorial Tunnel and to Whittier .
How did Portage Glacier get its name?
Portage Glacier was a local name first recorded in 1898 by Thomas Corwin Mendenhall of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, so called because it is on a portage route between Prince William Sound and Turnagain Arm.