Nabesna Glacier, Valley glacier in Valdez-Cordova, Alaska, US
Nabesna Glacier is a valley glacier that flows eastward from Mount Wrangell's northern slopes, cutting through the mountainous terrain of eastern Alaska. The formation spans roughly 53 miles and draws ice from approximately 40 tributary glaciers throughout its extent.
Geologist F.C. Schrader named this massive glacier after the nearby Nabesna River during an 1902 U.S. Geological Survey expedition. The exploration of this ice system at that time helped establish early knowledge of the glacial systems in the Wrangell Mountains.
The glacier serves as the primary entry point for mountaineers and researchers accessing the eastern section of the Wrangell Mountains.
The central portion of the glacier is accessible to visitors during winter months via ski-equipped bush planes operated by local pilots. Elevation in this accessible area ranges between 6,000 and 7,000 feet, giving visitors an idea of the conditions they will encounter.
This ice system ranks as North America's longest valley glacier and holds the distinction of being the world's longest interior valley glacier. This exceptional length makes it a remarkable example of expansive glacial systems in a remote region.
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