Benson Glacier (Oregon)
Benson Glacier is in the U.S. state of Oregon. The glacier is situated in the Wallowa Mountains at an elevation generally above 8,500 feet (2,600 m) on the eastern slopes Glacier Peak, a subpeak of Eagle Cap.[3] The glacier was named in honor of Frank W. Benson, former Governor of Oregon during an expedition in 1914.[1][2] Benson Glacier is estimated to be 560 ft (170 m) long. Due to its small size, researchers have frequently questioned whether it was a glacier or a perennial snowfield. Areal photography taken in 2007 showed crevasses on the surface, confirming that it does flow and is a true glacier. It is not expected to remain a true glacier much longer, however, due to climate change.[2]
| Benson Glacier | |
|---|---|
  Benson Glacier Location in Oregon | |
| Type | Mountain glacier |
| Location | Wallowa Mountains, Wallowa County, Oregon, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 45°09′45″N 117°18′9″W[1] |
| Length | 560 ft (170 m)[2] |
| Terminus | Talus |
| Status | Retreating |
Benson Glacier is the last remaining remnant of Wallowa Glacier which extended 20 mi (32 km), creating the lateral moraines that created Wallowa Lake during the Last Glacial Maximum. Its ice is estimated to have been 2,000 ft (610 m) in places. The West Fork of the Wallowa River occupies the valley it left behind.[4]
References
- "Benson Glacier". Geographic Names Information System. United States Geological Survey, United States Department of the Interior. Retrieved July 28, 2012.
- Cannon, Charles M.; Fountain, Andrew G. "Where is the Benson Glacier (if it Still Exists)?" (PDF). Retrieved January 19, 2022.
- Eagle Cap, OR (Map). TopoQwest (United States Geological Survey Maps). Retrieved July 28, 2012.
- Johnson, Charles Grier (2004). Alpine and Subalpine Vegetation of the Wallowa, Seven Devils, and Blue Mountains. United States Forest Service. Retrieved January 19, 2022.