Klinaklini Glacier, Massive glacier in Coast Mountains, British Columbia, Canada.
Klinaklini Glacier is a 37 km long valley glacier in the southern Coast Mountains of British Columbia. It begins on the southwest flank of Mount Pelletier at 2,280 m, forms part of the Ha-Iltzuk Icefield, and averages about 2.2 km wide. After joining the Silverthrone Glacier, it ends at roughly 150 m above a 5 km proglacial lake drained by the West Klinaklini River.
The glacier has retreated significantly since the 1980s, losing substantial area and mass over the decades. Satellite observations have documented these changes and show the effects of climate change on the region.
The glacier takes its name from the Klinaklini River, whose name is Kwak'wala for eulachon, the small smelt whose oil was a trade good among First Nations of the coast. The river drains the glacier's meltwater into Knight Inlet.
This glacier is remote and best viewed from a distance or from the water. Access is typically possible through guided boat tours or helicopter flights from the coastal area.
Meltwater from the glacier flows through the Klinaklini River into Knight Inlet, providing cooler water that supports salmon populations during drier times. This water source plays an important role in the region's marine ecosystem.
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