Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Cracked Ice

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

1. Cracked Ice Marker

Inscription.
Glaciers stretch and contract as they flow over bedrock slopes and around corners. When they stretch past their stress limits, cracks called crevasses appear

Open and ShutCrevasses often start with a “crack”, sounding similar to that made by an old man’s knuckles. The glacier’s surface stretches until it abruptly splits. Crevasses move and change with the glacier. They yawn apart, then squeeze shut as the glacier flows over uneven ground.

Time CracksWorthington is a fastmoving, young glacier and its stresses change over short distances. Within a couple of years an open crevasse may move to an area where stress changes close it, leaving only a linear scar on the glacial surface to mark its existence.

Bogus BridgesIn winter, falling and wind-blown snow feeds glaciers, often filling or bridging a crevasse in the process. Bridged crevasses become hidden dangers for adventurers exploring these icy realms. Safety training and an experienced guide are a must for glacier travelers.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 61° 10.035′ N, 145° 42.884′ W.

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Marker is in Valdez in Chugach Census Area, Alaska. It can be reached from Worthington Glacier Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 28.7 Richardson Hwy, Valdez AK 99686, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southcentral Alaska.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ice Creatures?! (a few steps from this marker); Worthington Glacier (within shouting distance of this marker); 2100 Pounds of Gold Abandoned on Thompson Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); Worthington Glacier Through Time (within shouting distance of this marker); Where to Find a Glacier (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gold Rush Pioneer Trail: The Richardson Highway, Oldest Highway in Alaska

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

2. Cracked Ice Marker

(approx. 5.2 miles away); Horse and Sled Trail (approx. 8.3 miles away); Old Railroad Tunnel (approx. 8.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Valdez.

Worthington Glacier image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, August 29, 2026

3. Worthington Glacier

This glacier is located near the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 19, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 19, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.