The Davidson Glacier is a large valley glacier near Haines, Alaska that finds its source in the Chilkat Range.

Davidson Glacier
Map showing the location of Davidson Glacier
Map showing the location of Davidson Glacier
Davidson Glacier
TypeValley glacier
LocationHaines Borough, Alaska, U.S.
Coordinates59°04′54″N 135°28′21″W / 59.08167°N 135.47250°W / 59.08167; -135.47250
Area4.6 miles (7.4 km)
TerminusMoraine/lake
StatusRetreating
Map

History

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The Davidson Glacier was named in 1867 for George Davidson. Its Indian name[which?] is Ssitkaje.[1] It was recounted by John Muir in his famous travels in and around Glacier Bay in 1879. The glacier was, at that time, a glacier that nearly reached tidewater.[2] It has since receded into the mountains, becoming a valley glacier, and created its very own glacial lake in the glacier's moraine (similar to the Mendenhall Glacier and lake) about one mile inland from the Chilkat Inlet.

Current status

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Currently, the Davidson Glacier serves as a tourist attraction for Haines and Skagway.

 
Davidson Glacier, 2017
 
Davidson Glacier, 2011

See also

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References

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  1. ^ U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Davidson Glacier Retrieved April 17, 2007.
  2. ^ (Wilderness Essays, The Alaska Trip (pg 60) John Muir).
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