The Rock Glaciers
The previous map showing the geology of the Kennecott area indicates the presence of several rock glaciers. The one most commonly seen is this one behind the Kennecott mill site. When walking up the trail on the way to the Bonanza mine there is a particularly spectacular view of it. These features are approximately forty percent ice with the remainder being crushed rock. They act in the same manner as piedmont glaciers, advancing very slowly, but receding at a much slower pace.
The presence of so many rock glaciers affected mining operations because these features had to be avoided. Thus, many of the tunnels, including the main cross-cut, had to be routed around one of these--the Amazon Glacier. Additionally, the Jumbo and the Mother Lode man camps were built upon these, creating on-going foundation problems. Click for larger image. Continue
