North Swiftcurrent Glacier

North Swiftcurrent Glacier is a glacier in Glacier National Park in the U.S. state of Montana. It is situated immediately to the east of the Continental Divide and north of Swiftcurrent Mountain at an elevation between 8,000 ft (2,400 m) and 7,000 ft (2,100 m) above sea level.[3] North Swiftcurrent Glacier consists of several remnant glaciers and additional ice patches, none of which exceed 19 acres (0.077 km2) in surface area and do not meet the threshold of 25 acres (0.10 km2) often cited as being the minimum size to qualify as an active glacier. The glacier lost over 32 percent of its area between 1966 and 2005.[2]

North Swiftcurrent Glacier
Map showing the location of North Swiftcurrent Glacier
Map showing the location of North Swiftcurrent Glacier
North Swiftcurrent Glacier
Location in Montana
TypeMountain glacier
LocationGlacier National Park, Glacier County, Montana, U.S.
Coordinates48°47′20″N 113°46′08″W / 48.78889°N 113.76889°W / 48.78889; -113.76889[1]
AreaApproximately 19 acres (0.077 km2) in 2005[2]
Length.10 mi (0.16 km)
TerminusTalus
StatusRetreating
North Swiftcurrent Glacier in lower half of frame, viewed from Swiftcurrent Mountain lookout. Iceberg Peak's south aspect in upper right.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "North Swiftcurrent Glacier". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  2. ^ a b "Retreat of Glaciers in Glacier National Park" (PDF). United States Geological Survey. 2010. Retrieved September 23, 2012.
  3. ^ Ahern Pass, MT (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved September 23, 2012.