Meltwater Stream, Glacial Spillway, Outwash River EarthCache
Hidden : 7/18/2012
Difficulty:
2 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

This is not your typical geocache; it is an EarthCache. Instead of looking for a "cache container" you will be brought to a geological feature.

ABOUT THIS LOCATION

This EarthCache is along the Ice Age Trail in the Lapham Peak Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest in Delafield, Wisconsin. Hours are 7 am – 9 pm. There is limited parking available along Hwy. 18 between Hwy. C and 83 on the north side of the road at the Ice Age Trail crossing (N 43 00.791 W 088 23.936). Take the trail northward to coordinates that are at a yellow blazed post with a scene of a once glacial river bed and channel.

EARTHCACHE INFORMATION

To receive credit for this EarthCache complete the following:

1. Photos are optional but one with your GPS (of you/group if possible) with the channel in the background is appreciated. Send it with log-in.
2. E-mail to me answers to the following:
2a. At the Coordinates the estimated distance from there to eastern channel bank is about_____ .
2b. The glacial stream here flowed _____ to____ (direction). Why do you think that was the general direction of flow?
2c. What do you think this view looked like at maximum meltwater flow?
3a. At bench/creek coordinates, N 43 00.916 W 088 23.655, direction of creek flow is _____ to _____.
3b. Why do you think there is a difference between this creek and the channel's potential meltwater flow?
3c. This creek is an excellent example of ______.

You do NOT need to wait for confirmation from me before logging your find. Please make no reference to these answers in your log.

GEOLOGICAL INFORMATION

WELCOME to this world-famous kettle interlobate moraine region of Wisconsin and a geologic feature made by glacial meltwater. As emphasized by the title, the water that once flowed here and the pathway it made have a variety of descriptive names. This outstanding channel contains the river bed of a glacial meltwater stream created when ice blocked the eastern outlet of Pewaukee Lake. The water level of the lake was much higher then, and the meltwater found an exit on the western side of the lake, creating what is now called the Ethan Allen Channel.

THE coordinates take you to a yellow-blazed post where there is an excellent view (one of several) of the Ethan Allen Channel. This channel coursed south, west, and then south again for a total of about 20 miles until it reached the large glacial Lake Scuppernong.

IT is along this EarthCache hike that the meltwater river made a direction change causing the water to flow from the western side of the Lake Michigan Lobe to the eastern edge of the Green Bay Lobe. (Both lobes are some of the many of the vast Laurentide Ice Sheet.) Observe the size of the creek and the glacial river bed area. An Oxford English Dictionary states, “underfit designating or pertaining to a stream which, on the basis of its present-day flow, would have eroded a smaller valley than it has done.” From Hwy. 18 to just beyond the creek the trail is on the bed of the meltwater river and then is on the very lower part of the western bank of that channel. Later, further beyond the coordinates for this EarthCache the trail is challenging with hilly terrain and rocks.

THIS, of course, is entirely optional, but should you be up to that challenge and the distance, the trail does gain some elevation by the time it approaches the base of the cliff steps (about 130) near the tower. Or, also optional, you can drive into the park – annual or day pass required – and go to the upper parking lot. Here you can experience the stairway descent into the Ethan Allen Channel and ascent back out! Try to imagine this at maximum meltwater flow. There's a tower to climb with scenic views, including this channel. Also, see the Ethan Allen Channel from along Hwy. 83.

The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at: (visit link)

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