Of the over 700 lakes within Glacier National park, 131 are named. Share. Glacier's water can be considered the headwaters of the entire continent. Water temperature data is important in hydrologic forecasting for monitoring formation of ice on rivers and lakes in our regions. Wind keeps water moving and circulating, keeping it from turning to ice. The coolest part is where avalanche creek meets it the bluish water hits the lake water. The lake surface ranges from open water to slush and areas of ice, often with all three conditions existing in close proximity. Lake McDonald is the largest of Glacier's many long lakes. NPS / Jacob W. Frank. There is potential presence of a disease causing parasite. Glacially-carved Recent freezing temperatures have contributed to an increase of ice on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park, and a reminder for visitors to be very cautious around bodies of water in the winter. Look at a map of the park and you will see these finger-like lakes stretching away from the Continental Divide. At high elevations, most lakes exist as glacial tarns, new lakes filling the bottoms of ice-scoured amphitheaters. While official records have not documented annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, the most recent year with the majority of the lake frozen over was in 2007. As weather conditions vary, so will the ice on the lake. In areas of ice, there are often cracks and the ice may not be stable or thick enough to support recreational activity. Extended periods of below freezing temperatures are needed to form ice on the lake. Here is your temperature trend for the next 14 Days. See All Videos. Most of the low-elevation lakes are the remnants of long glacial valleys dammed at their outlets by end moraines. Depending on the level of nearby glacial activity, and therefore the amount of powdered rock they contain, these lakes have a milky turquoise, sapphire blue or extremely clear appearance. In some areas, the lack of plankton growth and the clarity of water would be cause for worry—pollutants like acid rain often kill the growth. Lake McDonald is the largest lake in Glacier National Park.It is located at in Flathead County in the U.S. state of MontanaLake McDonald is approximately 10 miles (16 km) long, and over a mile (1.6 km) wide and 472 feet (130 m) deep, filling a valley formed by a combination of erosion and glacial activity. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and wind, are key factors in water bodies freezing over. This winter’s lowest cold temperature to date was last week, February 6, with -22 degrees. Temperature prediction accuracy is expected to range between 1 to 3 degrees Fahrenheit. These lakes are at the extreme low end of fertility, because of their low temperatures, extreme depth, and the kinds of minerals supplied by surrounding rock. Extended periods of below freezing temperatures are needed to form ice on the lake. While official records have not documented annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, the most recent year with the majority of the lake frozen over was in 2007. Glacier National Park Service maintains weather data in partnership with the National Weather Service, and has consistently recorded this information in West Glacier since 1950. The higher elevation tarns are sensitive to airborne pollutants because they get the winter precipitation load in spring, when the snow melts. It is approximately 10 miles long, 1- 1.5 miles wide and at its deepest point it is over 460 feet deep. Water quality can be significantly affected by air quality. Lake McDonald is huge and the best place to see it is from the Lake McDonald Lodge. Water Temperature data is collected daily from sources such as USGS and the US Army Corp of Engineers. At 10 miles long (16 km) and 464 feet deep (141.4 m) Lake McDonald is both largest and deepest body of water in the park. To see the daily forecast, scroll to the table below. Weather conditions, specifically temperature and wind, are key factors in water bodies freezing over. Cold and Clear Of the over 700 lakes within Glacier National park, 131 are named. Glacier's water can be considered the headwaters of the entire continent. If you can take a hike around the lake I recommend it. Thanks to past ice-ages, Glacier has lots of water. Glacier waters are not necessarily drinkable. The Apgar Lookout and Lake McDonald webcams feature images of Lake McDonald.
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