Worthington Glacier, AK
Posted by: 
Megadrile
N 61° 10.314 W 145° 43.913
6V E 568213 N 6782595
Typical small valley glacier including fine examples of most glacial features from accumulation area to end of moraine. Probably the most accessible glacier in Alaska.
Waymark Code: WM3YKE
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 06/07/2008
Views: 20
Located in the Chugach Mountains near Thompson Pass—the snowiest place in Alaska—Worthington Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska, passing within a few feet of the parking lot and viewing shelter right off the Richardson Highway. Like most of Alaska’s glaciers, this valley glacier has been steadily retreating for the last 150 years, but not as dramatically as many others. The upper basin sits at 5,500 feet and collects about 28 feet of snow each year. Worthington Glacier is part of an on-going study funded by the National Science Foundation to study ice flow dynamics as they relate to climate change. By comparing movement at Worthington with numerical models for glacier flow, scientists hope to answer important questions about the future of climate change.
Mountain / landmass name: Chugach Range
Park name (if any): Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site
Glacier type: ice
Parking / trail head / boat launch:
Mile 30 Richardson Highway
Thompson Pass, AK USA
99686
Travel time (approximate): 12:02 AM
Final access method: Vehicle parking lot ( < 0.5 mi hike)
Safe viewing location: N 61° 10.032 W 145° 42.865
Photograph submitted: yes
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Visit Instructions:
To log an existing waymark, you must post a photograph of you and the glacier [TAKEN FROM A SAFE LOCATION], and describe briefly how you arrived there.